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Report: Kiprusoff might not play for new team if traded by Flames

Miikka Kiprusoff

Calgary Flames goalie Miikka Kiprusoff, of Finland, glances up at the scoreboard during a stop in play in the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators on Monday, Nov. 30, 2009 in Nashville, Tenn. Kiprusoff stopped all 22 of Nashville’s shots for a 5-0 shutout. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

AP

The Calgary Flames might just clean house during the trade deadline, which means getting rid of expensive veterans such as Jarome Iginla and Jay Bouwmeester. Swapping Miikka Kiprusoff might be a tougher endeavor, however.

The veteran goalie told management that he would not report to his new team because of “family reasons,” according to Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos’ sources. (His wife recently gave birth.)

It’s unclear how such a scenario would work out contract-wise, although it wouldn’t be surprising if he was suspended like Tim Thomas is in that hypothetical situation.

Naturally, there’s always the chance that he could have a change of heart or that Kypreos’ sources are wrong. Still, it adds another layer of potential drama for a team likely in transition.

Kypreos’ Sportsnet colleague Mark Spector reports that the Flames are looking to trade Iginla for a young goaltender, which would likely make Kiprusoff that much more expendable.

The 36-year-old goalie is in the middle of his ninth season with Calgary. His no-movement clause expired in 2011-12, according to Cap Geek.

The Finnish netminder’s $5.83 million cap hit expires after the 2013-14 season. If he becomes more amenable to a trade, he could work especially well for a low-budget team trying to hit the cap floor; his salary will only be $1.5 million next season.

Related: Kiprusoff might not report to new team if traded by Flames