In the original interview with TVA Sports, the coach was reportedly asked if Luongo needed a fresh start after losing his starting job to backup Cory Schneider, to which Vigneault replied: "That's what he wants right now."
However, the coach allegedly corrected the statement later on with the interviewers.
"[That] is my understanding," Gillis told the Sun. "I haven't heard the interview but he went and told whoever was conducting it that he had misspoke immediately after it happened and I think he did. Like I said, I haven't heard the interview but that's what Alain told me last night and that he clarified it in his mind ... you know, [he] didn't mean what he said."
While Gillis maintains that Luongo would still agree to a trade if it helped the Canucks, he also added that both netminders would keep competing for the No.1 spot if they are both back next season.
"We haven't come to the conclusion yet what's in the best interests of the team and Roberto is going to be part of the process," Gillis said. "I talked to him again last week to see how he was feeling and we're going to start moving ahead now that we've cleared up some other issues. We'll start looking at where we want to go with this situation and others.
"I know you guys want to read into every possible meaning that you can, but the reality is that if both are back, they'll be competing for the No. 1 job and whoever wins it will win it."
As for the comments made by Vigneault about forward Ryan Kesler, Gillis reiterated that the incident wouldn't drive a wedge between the two of them.
"No, not at all," he said. "Coaches are paid to make hard decisions and to get the most out of people. We're at a point in time in the evolution of our organization where excuses aren't accepted and, if you're cleared to play, you play. We'll take into account everything that goes into it but I'm not worried about any divide."
The 27-year-old injured his left shoulder on Feb. 9, but remained in the lineup until the season's end.
While Vigneault suggested that Kesler's lack of production was not directly related to his shoulder problem, the center underwent major surgery on May 8, after posting 22 goals and 27 assists for 49 points in 77 games, but ending the season on a 17-game goal-less streak.
