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Canadian stars hearing whispers
By
TERRY KOSHAN, QMI Agency
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  Team Canada forward Marcus Foligno speaks to reporters during the IIHF World Junior Championships in Buffalo, New York, January 4, 2011. (REUTERS/Mike Cassese)
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BUFFALO -- Marcus Foligno has heard the whispers, and so has Brayden Schenn.
As much as the Canadian players are put into a cocoon by Hockey Canada at the world junior tournament, they still get wind of the trade rumours involving their names back in their respective leagues.
Foligno plays for the Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League, but he could have a new address in the next few days. The OHL trade deadline is Monday but players participating in the world juniors can't be dealt until after the tournament ends.
Some rumours have Foligno joining Canada teammates Ryan Ellis and Zack Kassian with the Windsor Spitfires.
"I've heard some things, but I'm staying out of it," Foligno said. "I'm just worrying about the gold-medal game."
The Western Hockey League trade deadline also is on Monday, and Schenn could be on the move from the Brandon Wheat Kings. Portland and Saskatoon have been rumoured destinations for Schenn, who leads the world junior with 16 points in six games and is a tournament-best plus-11.
"Whatever happens, happens," Schenn said. "I'm worried about Team Canada right now and that's it. Once its over, we'll see how it goes."
If any member of Canada's junior team plays for a club team that is struggling, or bound to miss the playoffs, chances are good he will be dealt.
And there is speculation that Russian forward Maxim Kitsyn will be heading to Mississauga St. Michael's to play for Canada coach Dave Cameron and the Majors when the tournament is over.
Will Cameron be taking Kitsyn back to Mississauga?
"Not sure," Cameron said Tuesday.
terry.koshan@sunmedia.ca
