If the Toronto Maple Leafs wanted to trade Phil Kessel it may have just become a little harder with the potential availability of New York Rangers forward Rick Nash.

The 2015 NHL off-season is shaping up to be one of significant interest with Phil Kessel and Rick Nash potentially being available on the trade market.

“Mum is the word from the New York Rangers. They’re not talking about specifics, but I have to believe one thing that will at least be considered is the possibility of considering trading Rick Nash,” (Bob McKenzie – via The Score)

For the Maple Leafs, Nash hitting the market would complicate their desire to trade Kessel.

Both players are five-time 30+ goal scorers – although Nash has three additional seasons of 40+ – and bring a significant amount of offense to the table.

Until this past season Phil Kessel had been, easily, the most stable of the two in 5v5 points-per-60. Unfortunately, teams are going to wonder about this year and whether or not it will repeat itself. It wouldn’t have been such a huge factor if a player like Nash wasn’t available.

Also not in Kessel’s favor is how much better Nash is at driving possession. Kessel needs insulation – Nash doesn’t.

The biggest problem, though, comes when comparing contracts – length, not dollars.

Nash has three years remaining at $7.8M and Kessel has 7 years remaining at $8M. For a team looking to win now – which is why you would acquire either of these players – the shorter term is definitely more appealing.

What the Leafs may have to do is sell the age factor. Phil Kessel is three years younger than Nash, so they could sell his contract on being only one year longer with respect to age. Nash’s deal expires when he’s 33, Kessel’s when he’s 34.

Both players are going to remain productive – but with the lesser term option it might scare potential suitors off, and in the direction of the New York Rangers.

The potential return on Phil Kessel may take a hit, too, because the Rangers may be dealing Nash for cap space – which would take away some value for New York.

Toronto might have to wait and see if Rick Nash does, in fact, get traded before they can pursue concrete options for dealing Phil Kessel.