Adams was not saying Armstrong was being stupid or unreasonable. He was saying that when trades are being negotiated, teams have different assets, so its never apples to apples. He even used himself as an example when trading Eichel.
Armstrong was asking for something of comparable value to what he got out of Ottawa, but different, and Adams wasn't willing to do it. Maybe they wanted a prospect instead.
My argument is then give them the damn prospect, we have lots! Or up your offer in another way. He still could have outbid OTT without destroying the future.
Or make a deal for one of the other good defensemen available.