Wisconsin coach Mike Eaves has been consistently -- and understandably -- vague about the makeup of his next recruiting class.

 Earlier this week, he estimated six players would be signed when the NCAA spring signing period begins next week, but emphasized that number could change.

 The lack of specifics is tied to the fact there appears to be 10 prospects who could be brought in for the 2008-09 season. While some are locks, some are still being evaluated. Eaves and assistants Mark Osiecki and Kevin Patrick in still in the process of deciding who will receive national letters of intent.

 There appear to be four locks: Center Matt Thurber with Omaha of the U.S. Hockey League, defenseman Eric Springer with Sioux Falls (USHL), defenseman Ryan Little with Green Bay (USHL), and defenseman Jake Gardiner with Minnetonka (Minn.) High School.

 There is a pool of five forwards to choose from: Chris Hickey with Tri-City (USHL), Travis Erstad with Lincoln (USHL), Brock Montpetit with Waterloo (USHL), Derek Stepan with Shattuck St. Mary's (Minn.) High School and Jordy Murray, also with Shattuck.

 Right now, the guess here is that Murray and Stepan have a slight edge because of their offensive pedigrees. Both are highly regarded by NHL scouts for the 2008 entry draft, as is Montpetit. Hickey and Erstad have already been drafted by Minnesota in 2006 and St. Louis in 2007, respectively.

 The list of prospects will likely remain in flux until Eaves knows for sure who will be back with the Badgers next season.

 With freshman center Kyle Turris off for Phoenix, sophomore defenseman Jamie McBain appears to be the most viable flight risk. He was chosen by Carolina in the second round in 2006 and is regarded as one of its top two prospects.

 If McBain signs, it's reasonable to assume Patrick Wiercoich with Omaha (USHL) will get the call for next season.