And almost leaving, cause I don't know what'll happen after Plushenko's retirement. 
Germanice said:They are coming??? They're already there!!!
My answer won't surprise, will it? Yagudin by far, to me not only the best Russian male, but also one of the greatest (male) skaters of all time! A skating legend already, and worldwide. Nobody else has/had left so much impact on other skaters, nobody has still so many admirers among skating fans, even though he did his last eligible competition in 2002.
Personally I'd put Kulik in second, but all in all I think it's Plushenko. Kulik has Oly Gold, but Plushenko has more titles and a longer lasting career. And in popularity terms he's the only one who comes close to Yagudin. Time will tell how skating history will once judge on him. If nothing changes dramatically, he'll remain as one great, extraordinary skater with an impressive collection of titles and medals, but without a real memorable program/performance. IMO! (It's not Plushy's fault though, it's all about strange choreographies, horrible music cuts etc. and the typical "Mishin" style; Plushenko was never in the position to develop something of his "own").
Anke
....true, but I thought it was a fun, eye-catching thread title anyway! You do raise a good question, Anke. What happens after Plushenko? There aren't anymore obvious Russian prodigies in the wings right now, but perhaps we will be pleasantly surprised.BronzeisGolden said:
....I just realized I started this thread and never gave my opinion. I would definitely pick Yagudin. He was such a great all-around skater and really had one hell of a competitive career. Next, it would probably have to be a tie between Kulik/Plushenko. Anke made a good point: Kulik was more talented...but Evgeny really has had a stellar run (and it isn't finished!). Honestly, Petrenko never did much for me.
