Sharks’ Mike Grier explains toughest decision ahead of NHL trade deadline

SAN JOSE – With the San Jose Sharks in playoff contention for the first time in seven years, general manager Mike Grier faces some new – and difficult – questions over the next several weeks before the NHL trade deadline in March.

Chief among them: If the Sharks remain in the playoff hunt leading into the deadline, should Grier trade some of his pending unrestricted free agents if a tempting offer comes along? Or, if contract extensions can’t be reached, keep them for the stretch run, and...