Maybe it's a motivation technique. Maybe he really doesn't mean everyone save for two players are available.
Or, perhaps, Anaheim Ducks GM Bob Murray has actually placed nearly his entire roster on the auction block this season.
Helene Elliott of the LA Times spoke with Murray on Wednesday night ahead of the Ducks' game against the San Jose Sharks and gleaned the following via Twitter:
"Murray says he has two untouchables-- Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu-- but anyone else is in play. Says he's not rebuilding and seeking draft picks. if he trades a core player, it would be for another core-type player."
The money Murray quote, via Elliott: "I still believe we have some core players. Now, whether we have to change a few core players, so be it. They're deciding who's staying and who's not staying at this point."
Murray labeled Selanne and Koivu untouchable because they both have no-movement clauses; in essence, they're the ones that decide if they're "touchable." According to Cap Geek, Lubomir Visnovsky has a full no-move clause until this summer, when it becomes modified; and Francois Beauchemin has a modified no-trade clause.
So maybe Jeff Miller gets his wish and Ryan Getzlaf gets dealt. Maybe the Bobby Ryan rumor mill gets cranking again for teams like the Buffalo Sabres. Maybe someone antes up a top three forward for reigning MVP Corey Perry. Maybe Brian Burke's already hit speed dial on his office line to see what else he can cherry-pick from his old franchise and trading partner.
The Ducks have virtually no shot at the playoffs. In a parity-filled league, there aren't a ton of sellers at this point in the season. But Anaheim, as signaled by their GM tonight, is certainly one of them.