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PITTSBURGH — The NHL trade deadline is ruining Alex Burrows’ life. And he hasn’t even been traded yet.

“I’ve cut off my Twitter,” the Vancouver Canucks’ winger said. “I’ve cut off TSN and Canadian websites. I watch ESPN right now. I’m more aware of the Charles Oakley incident and what happened in the NBA last night (than in the NHL). I’m a huge sports fan; I have to follow sports. But right now, I’m staying away from anything where my name could be.”

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And Burrows’ name seems to be everywhere in hockey. So is Jannik Hansen’s.

These two gritty wingers, who just combined with centre Bo Horvat on a 10-point weekend for the Canucks, have devoted a total of 21 NHL seasons to the franchise. Neither has played for another NHL team and neither wants to.

But it ‘s obvious to everyone, and especially to Canuck president of hockey operations Trevor Linden and general manager Jim Benning, that the rebuilding team can’t afford to lose marketable assets for nothing.