- Joined
- Dec 9, 2017
If Kaori gets a consistent 3A next season, she would certainly be one to beat. However, Rika without her 3A is still on a pretty similar level to Kaori, except she doesn't have lutz edge issues. Kaori's skating is a little more fluid than Rika's, but I personally quite like Rika's interpretation of the music (whether that was innate or trained by coaches is a different story).
Then, of course, we have Sasha to deal with, who could possibly swarm the rest of the field with an insurmountable TES lead. Three quad Sasha will not be easy to beat, especially if she somehow lands her own 3A.
This season, I would place Sakamoto behind Kihira based on jumping, because of her flutz and lack of 3A. For the edge jumps they share Sakamoto delivers better, IMO. For her PCS, I think Sakamoto has better SS, but also she has matured a lot this season. In comparison, Kihira comes off a little immature though still very good. If both clean, I think Kihira should win it based off jumping.
Next season, of course, it is possible that the gap I see in maturity will be entirely diminished next season if Kihira works at it, and then Kihira will be ahead of Sakamoto even without a quad. Or it could be widened or stay the same, which would place Sakamoto ahead of Kihira if she doesn't get a quad/some large gap in BV. It also depends on the kind of programs they each get.
Trusova could be ahead based off insurmountable jumping for sure. In terms of all-around quality (instead of just quantity), though, I'd place Kihira and Sakamoto ahead (although of course, Trusova could also work on her skating and become very good all-around herself, then she would easily be first).