LOS ANGELES - Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson said yesterday he believes in the nucleus of his club, but understands change is necessary to prevent a repeat of this season.

One place Howson figures to shake up the roster is on defense. He hinted at possible offseason deals as a means of generating more scoring, which Howson sees as the top priority for next season.

That point was driven home like a railroad spike Saturday night in a 2-1 loss to the San Jose Sharks, a game in which the Blue Jackets were outshot 44-22.

"We have to get more offense out of the team," Howson said. "What you saw (Saturday) was a prime example. We got great goaltending from (Steve Mason) but couldn't create enough chances to win."

The Jackets rank 21st in goals per game (2.58) heading into tonight's game against the Los Angeles Kings.

Their blue-line corps is largely comprised of specialists, top heavy with defending defensemen favored by former coach Ken Hitchcock. The construction seems out of balance with the way many teams now use their defense.

Seven defensemen, including injured Rostislav Klesla, are under contract for next season. Four of them, Klesla, Kris Russell, Fedor Tyutin and Mike Commodore, are signed through at least the 2011-12 season.

"To add we will have to subtract and what we do remains to be determined," Howson said. "Maybe it's a trade, maybe there is a trade that makes sense to help the back end."

Tyutin, Klesla and Jan Hejda probably would attract the most interest on the trade market.

"I know we have a lot of defensemen and we can't have that many long-term contracts with some of the guys we now are getting into the system," Howson said.

He doesn't expect, however, any of the blue-line prospects, including John Moore, the club's top pick last summer, to play for the Jackets next season.

To obtain a quality two-way defenseman, something the organization has lacked all along, will require a financial investment.

It's thought the Jackets will use the money saved by not resigning Raffi Torres, traded to the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday, to help in the cause.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the arena lease issue, Howson said he can pursue deals that make sense.

"They have been really good anytime I have asked," Howson said. Jackets president Mike Priest and majority owner John P. McConnell "have been very supportive."

But what need is more pressing, a top defenseman or a center?

Howson said his staff is evaluating whether to pursue a top-line center in the offseason or allow Derick Brassard to grow into the role.

Brassard, who returns to the lineup tonight from a hand injury, has had a difficult second season. Struggles aside, Howson believes Brassard, 22, and Jake Voracek, 20, remain big parts of the Jackets' core group.

"We have lots of confidence in these two players," Howson said. "Development is never an even process. There are going to be dips and rises for young players. Look at Jake. He is playing much better than he did a month ago."

The Jackets are hoping Nikita Filatov returns from Russia in time for training camp, but it's believed the club has had no guarantees from the left winger. Filatov could be another asset traded this summer to shore up the defense.

"I still believe in this team," Howson said. "I think the players we have here give us the makings of a good team. It is important for us to prove that in the fall and to create a positive feeling for ourselves the rest of the way this season."

treed@dispatch.com