why wouldn't every contender do this knowing they'll at worst recoup a 1st and prospect back for Meier after using him as a rental? I'm sure if teams think like this, many bidders will drive the price WAY up, with the intention of dealing him in the summer.

You'd probably have to go Knies+Niemela+1st and maybe more, and hope you recoup some value in the offseason, which I wouldn't be keen on

The other problem is that Toronto (or any other contender with no cap next year) won't be able to recuperate much because other teams will know they can't afford Meier.

Or it’s a sneaky move that no one saw coming & you look like a genius if you actually get him at that price then get rid of him for a couple great assets at the draft.

I never got why teams didn't do this more often lol

If teams have the cap to sign Meirer why would they give up a couple of great assets to acquire him? Just sign a UFA.

Because the first team would never take a cap dump, b prospect, a tiny prospect and a 1st 2 yrs from now for him retained

By Cap Dump you mean the highest scoring player (excluding ELCs) under $5M last year.
By B Propspect you mean the guy most analysts think will be a top D in the league and who is a great leader
By Tiny Propspect well you are right on that the guy can't avoid being injured for more than 2 minutes

You know, you are wrong, but this trade is also stupid.

if we've thought of it here, NHL offices have thought of it