Any speculation of soured relations between the Toronto Maple Leafs and John Tavares in the aftermath of the club’s captaincy transition to Auston Matthews can be put to bed, just as any wild theories on the Maple Leafs’ intentions to push away their hometown star should probably be walked back.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have opened contract talks with captain John Tavares as they look to find a deal that works for both sides. While the negotiations are still in the early stages, the focus is on finding a suitable pay cut from Tavares’ current $11 million annual average value (AAV).

The Toronto Maple Leafs and veteran forward John Tavares have engaged in contract extension discussions, reports TSN's Pierre LeBrun.While LeBrun doesn't believe anything is imminent, he expects dialogue between the two sides to pick up again soon.

Tavares returned to the ice in Bracebridge on Wednesday and was back on the ice at Ford Performance Centre on Thursday.

Leafs insider and TSN radio host Carlo Colaiacovo has suggested that Tavares could sign a three-year extension with a $3 million cap hit. This would represent a significant pay cut for Tavares, but it would also give the Leafs much-needed financial flexibility.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have already started looking into a contract extension for a key member of their organization.