The San Jose Sharks would welcome some help to their back end.

General manager Doug Wilson has been working the phones and would like to acquire a defenseman, according to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun.

Regardless of how the regular season unfolds, playoff success is paramount to the Sharks, as Garrioch suggests, adding, "Wilson has been telling his counterparts he'd like to get a defenseman if at all possible."

The Sharks have given up the 10th most goals this season - 2.71 per game - while conceding just the fifth fewest shots per contest at 27.8.

The club is having a turnaround season, sitting second in the Pacific Division after missing the postseason last year for the first time in 11 campaigns.