Unless you have a source that proves he is and that isn't a gameplay mechanic otherwise he isn't lying or wrong and it becomes canon.
That's utterly false. Not everything said in the game is canon. For instance, Avenicci says that the Nords are lucky to have the Thalmor's aid.
I just looked at Freewinter's profile and his quest is also listed as a radiant quest. So, it seems like he just sends you on a random quest anyway. The last time I did Freewinter's quest, the cave had some bandits but no loot to speak of and no dead outlanders.