CALGARY, Alberta -- The NHL trade deadline is one week from today, and the Blue Jackets will be buyers for the first time in franchise history.

"I believe we have a good chance to get in (the Stanley Cup playoffs) this season," general manager Scott Howson said. "We're not subtracting from our roster, I can tell you that."

Between now and 3 p.m. Wednesday, myriad variables are at play. But the Blue Jackets' priority remains adding a center.

Buffalo's Tim Connolly -- highly skilled but highly prone to injury -- keeps popping up in the NHL rumor mill. The Sabres are in the playoff picture, but word is the club would rather get something in return for Connolly than let him leave as an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Other names linked to the Blue Jackets by various NHL sources include Jordan Staal of Pittsburgh, Nik Antropov and Dominic Moore of Toronto, Matthew Lombardi of Calgary, Antoine Vermette of Ottawa and Brendan Morrison of Anaheim.

Howson, however, is limited in what he's willing to offer in trade.

"I'll be very surprised if I move a first-round pick," Howson said. "It would have to be a significant player, not just a rental."

And he doesn't want to break up what looks like a bright future for the Blue Jackets by trading top prospects Jake Voracek, Derick Brassard or Nikita Filatov.

A few clubs have inquired about defenseman Rostislav Klesla, but he won't play until after the trade deadline because of a shoulder injury, so that could be a sticking point.

There is thought to be some interest in goaltender Pascal Leclaire, who had ankle surgery five weeks ago and is still a month away from returning. Teams that might be interested include Ottawa, Colorado, St. Louis and Atlanta.

Mason, Howson meet

Howson met with rookie goaltender Steve Mason on Monday in Calgary to discuss the importance of Mason being honest with coaches regarding his availability.

"The situation we're in, every game is huge," Mason said. "I want to be a part of it, but I have to realize I can take a step back and be a cheerleader from the bench some nights.

"The meeting with Scott definitely helped clear the air. I think everybody's on the same page now."

Mason experienced symptoms of mononucleosis for weeks before disclosing it to club doctors last month. But after returning from a week out of the lineup, Mason started all six games in a nine-day stretch.

Coach Ken Hitchcock, when asked last week about Mason's playing schedule, joked that he was going to start "forever." Or was he joking?

Mason was noticeably tired Saturday in a 5-2 loss to Anaheim. He started last night in Calgary.

"It's a difficult spot for him," Howson said. "All athletes are used to pushing through everything. He's got to be honest with himself about how he's feeling."

aportzline@dispatch.com