While internet rumors claiming that Chad Michael Murray (Lucas) will leave One Tree Hill at the end of this current season have been making the rounds for a little while now, with this week's Season Seven pickup announcement comes new gossip:

Hilarie Burton (Peyton) may be saying peace out to Tree Hill too.

A One Tree Hill fan site first reported the rumor of Hilarie's departure yesterday evening, and though nothing is officially confirmed, Korbi of zap2it.com says both actors have yet to sign Season Seven contracts (they were signed for six initially).

Is it possible that contract negotiations are still up in the air? Very much so. Murray has indicated his desire to return for Season Seven (and beyond) more than once.

Our guess is that Korbs is grasping at straws with this alleged spoiler and the two stars' contract situation will be resolved soon, enabling massive amounts of cheesy Lucas-Peyton One Tree Hill quotes to continue in all their glory next year and beyond.

Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.