In terms of McGuire, he's a big time get. Smallish, but lightning quick, highly skilled, and comes from a nice program. You can bet this kid will come in and contribute right away. All indications are that Kerdiles is an elite recruit, although I must admit I have not gotten a great deal of feedback on the kid and have never seen him play.
Matt Paape and Jordan Schmaltz (in particularl) appear to be progressing very nicely. I'm encouraged when these younger signees are discussed in terms of being leaders and these kids are doing very well.
Mark Zengerle reminds me a lot of Tyler Bozak in terms of his development. He's going to come in as a 20 year old, has several seasons under his belt in the BCHL, and will likely have a certain maturity that a true 17-18 year old frosh doesn't have. (e.g. Ross Carlson, Dave Hukalo, Craig Smith, Matt Thurber, Andy Bohmbach et al). However, I'd tell you that Zengerle has had two huge seasons in the BCHL, whereas Bozak really did not sparkle until his last year. Needless to say, Zengerle has got first line skills and a kid who can come in and replace some of the scoring punch that is departing next season. The same can be said of Tyler Barnes, who has been patient, and like Craig Smith, I think he's goint to reap the rewards of that extra USHL season as compared to languishing on the bench this season getting spotty ice time.
In terms of Rumpel (how can you NOT like that name?), I have been told this kid has been hands down dominating since he was thrown into the #1 goaltending spot. He's got a **** good team around him to be sure.
Sleeper is Jefferson Dahl in my estimation. He's quietly put together a nice season in the USHL, and he's one of those kids like Craig Smith who will likely spend several seasons in the USHL and really make a nice contribution when he comes in at UW. Tyler Lapic, Cody Strang, and Gavin Hartzog need much more seasoning before they are ready. I'm a little disappointed in Lapic's development up to this point...but I also said that about Smith as well at a similar stage in his USHL career.
Additionally, Mike Mersch (a Geoffrion type player), Frankie Simonelli (reminds me a bit of Cody Golobeuf...not flashy but smart, steady, and skilled), and Troy Hesketh (another Minnesota kid the Gophers are going to be sorry they didn't recruit harder...see Gardiner and McDonagh) seem to be doing very well with their respective teams (Mersch and Simonellie NTDP and Hesketh-Minnetonka).
Jake McCabe is going to be a fantastic college hockey player. He's got all the tools and we have to be patient and not rush this kid into UW.
UW really has not had a "whiff" in the last two classes. They've gotten MOST of the kids they've wanted.
With respect to the development of last year's guys...you certainly cannot argue with Justin Schultz's play (he's had a great frosh season...with a few gaffes here and there), John Ramage has exceeded my expectations by far (I like his physical edge and he has shown decent skill as well at times), and Craig Smith has had a great frosh season (despite his propensity for ill timed and STUPID penalties late in games), and Derek Lee has shown some ability (although he's currently buried on the bench) this season as well.
All in all, as a Badger fan, I cannot express an great deal of disappointment with the recruiting trail so far.
Big series this weekend. Looking forward to a playoff-type atmosphere.
Wisconsin Hockey: Futurama.
