"For the first time in six years, the San Jose Sharks aren't looking at mock drafts in December. They are firmly, undeniably in the hunt for a playoff spot. The Tank is getting loud again, and there is an undeniable buzz and excitement for all things teal in the Bay. And with that comes a miserable, complicated, and ironically unenviable predicament for general manager Mike Grier."
"The hardest part of any rebuild - much less one as scorched-earth comprehensive as the project Grier has overseen - isn't starting it; it's deciding when it is over. While the Sharks still have immense room to grow, the true goal of this process wasn't to pop champagne for the privilege of getting swept in the first round. The goal is winning multiple Stanley Cups."
"And let's be specific about what that means: It means that Grier has some truly tough decisions on who is - or who is not - traded before the NHL's deadline in March. Because of the league's obsession with mediocrity - sorry, they call it "parity" - we're already seeing big deals being made. Everyone wants a leg up as early as possible. This, folks, is a serious seller's market."
Success in the NHL can create new dilemmas once a rebuild reaches contention. The San Jose Sharks have shifted from tanking to legitimately pursuing a playoff spot for the first time in six years, generating excitement in the Bay. General manager Mike Grier must decide which players to trade ahead of the March deadline or whether to preserve the current roster. The long-term objective remains winning multiple Stanley Cups, not merely short-term playoff appearances. The current league environment presents a strong seller's market, but the most prudent move may be to keep the team intact, chase the postseason, and accept free-agent risk.
Read at The Mercury News
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