This is exactly my thought.
Again, I thought Rutherford was wrong when he stated that Armstrong was attempting to retain 5% of the cap for "late addition signings" but the fact that we have made it all the way to the hearing makes me think Rutherford and Timmerman might be correct. If Armstrong truly only wants to budget $4 million of the available $7.6 million for Parayko's first year, I can see why Parayko might take it as an affront.
Blues' arbitration brief reads as follows: "He's a true cornerstone player but, ya know, we had to sign Berglund and Sobotka and we also want to retain $3.2 million to pick up the new version of Steve Ott for the coming season, sooooo........the cornerstone player needs to wait on his pay day."
Just joking of course but Armstrong's actions don't seem to be matching his words.
Its called negotiation. If I ever have to negotiate for....well, anything, can you be on the OTHER SIDE of the table?
Parayko: I want $5.5M per on a 6 year deal.
Carter: Ok, but we want to make sure you are really happy. You'll take $6M a year.
Parayko. Wow. Ok, that is generous, where do I.....
Carter: Fine, you still aren't happy enough, how's $6.5 millions?
Parayko: I was happy at $6 but ok, that's ama....
Carter: You are really twisiting my arm here Colton....Look, I'll level with you. We only have $7.6M in cap space. Let's do 5 years at $7.6M. Then I'll trade away every player that makes over league minimum to clear salary for you to make $50 million on your next contract.