In 72 games with the Bruins last season, Ference registered six goals and 18 assists for 24 points, with 46 penalty minutes and a plus-9 rating.
If Ference isn't locked up to a new deal by next summer, he could become an unrestricted free agent.
Over the last week, the Philadelphia Flyers signed winger Scott Hartnell to a six-year, $28.5 million extension and the Nashville Predators locked up center Mike Fisher to a two-year extension.
It's unclear, at this stage, is a deal is imminent, though the Bruins and Ference's camp remain in talks.
