Maybe he's been more talkative behind the scenes about his role, and Gillis is openly floating him to show him there's no interest. I don't think it's likely, but if his ego is bigger than his role, it would be a swift reality check.
Btw, him stating that being a 4th liner is the hardest position in hockey isn't as bad as people are saying. He honestly just didn't word it well.
All he was saying is that it's hard to come off the bench after sitting stagnant for 30+ minutes, and instantly summon energy, grit, timing etc to forecheck, hit, fight and make intelligent plays. I agree with him 100% in that respect.
I think it was just a poor figure of speech, and you have to be more careful around reporters that are only too happy to take a quote out of context.
Regardless, him being on the block isn't news. I'm sure Gillis isn't saying, "get in line guys! Dale Weise is available!"
He simply put his name on a list that says, "any interest in this player, let me know. We're OK with moving him. "
It's only news because Gillis rarely does it, and some local media will try to wring a story out of anything. And look at us talking about this inconsequential tidbit! Job well done by him!