The Toronto Maple Leafs and John Tavares are working on a contract extension and a deferred compensation deal is on the table.

Leafs management and John Tavares’ agent Pat Brisson of CAA Hockey have engaged in a series of discussions throughout the fall, say sources.

Despite plenty of talk and speculation of big change last offseason, the Toronto Maple Leafs appear ready to move forward without any noticeable differences. Discussions have already sprouted that superstar forward Mitch Marner is earning a contract extension,

Johnston labels Claude Giroux and Anze Kopitar, two players similar in age, as compatible for Tavares. Ottawa signed Giroux to a three-year contract with an annual average value of $6.5 million in July 2022. The LA Kings extended Kopitar with a two-year, $14 million contract (with a $7 million AAV) this past July.

Tavares, 33, is in the final season of his seven-year, $77 million deal. Despite his age, the former Leafs captain is enjoying a productive season without experiencing any regression, with nine goals and 11 assists in 21 games. He’s on pace for 35 goals and 77 points.

John Tavares and the Toronto Maple Leafs have reportedly been in ongoing talks about an extension but are not close to putting pen to paper. The Athletic’s Chris Johnston provided an update on where things stand for the two parties through the first two months of the regular season and the factors at play that will lead to this deal getting done.

John Tavares and the Toronto Maple Leafs have already started what could be complex negotiations for his next contract. As the former captain continues to prove his value on and off the ice, the question of what he’s worth on a new deal lingers.