This seems like a rehash of the 2010-11 season where Gillis and co. called up just about every prospect in the system to play a little bit on the 4th line while the other 3 lines steamrolled the league. Maybe it's a case of calling up all available/waiver exempt players to see who may/may not stick or what they really have.
Granted, AV gave his 4th liners at least 8-10 minutes a game compared to Torts, so it could just be a no salary increase/waiver exempt/can you play 3 minutes a game kind of try out
I doubt it's to try and make us look like we 'won' the Dalpe trade. We gave up a crapshoot of a pick for a guy who hasn't really busted by any stretch of the imagination. I think by the end of year we have Dalpe still and maybe we can even sneak him to the farm once every other team gives up on him cracking an NHL roster this season. If he does get claimed and isn't re-waived (however that rule actually works... I'm not 100% sure) we gave up a 4th and Aquaman took on some salary. Big whoop.