Kalamazoo signs former first-round pick Tyler Biggs

The Kalamazoo Wings continue to add depth to their roster by signing former NHL first round pick Tyler Biggs to a contract.  Biggs was drafted 22nd overall in 2011 by the Toronto Maple Leafs. After spending a few seasons with Toronto Marlies he was part of the Maple Leafs blockbuster deal that sent him, Phil Kessel, Tim Erixon, and a draft pick to the Penguins for Kasperi Kapanen, Scott Harrington, Nick Spaling and two draft picks.

A big (6’2”, 223lb) man, the Maples Leafs actually traded up in the draft to select Biggs, and swapped their 30th and 39th pick with Anaheim to nab the power forward.  General Manager Brian Burke described his new forward as “hostile and truculent”.  Unfortunately Biggs found himself passed over by other prospects in the organization and was hoping for a fresh start in the Penguins organization.

He improved defensively when switched from wing to center, but he hasn’t been able to find the scoring touch. A severe Achilles surgery along with an assortment of other injuries has further limited his development.

Biggs does have prior ECHL experience having played 8 games for the Orlando Solar Bears in 2014-15 and 2 games for the Wheeling Nailers in 2015-16. In those 10 games he has 5 goals and 2 assists.

This is the second former high-round pick that the K-Wings have acquired as former second round pick Bryan Hart was assigned to them from Syracuse earlier this week.