Flames working on new deal for Kiprusoff

Calgary Herald’s Jean Lefebvre is reporting that the Calgary Flames and pending unrestricted free agent goalie Miikka Kiprusoff have started negotiations on a contract extension.

Kiprusoff’s agent, Larry Kelly, and Flames GM Darryl Sutter have already had a couple of conversations, and more talks have been planned for later in the week.

“We’ll probably talk again Thursday or Friday,” said Kelly.

Due to his good professional relationship with Sutter, and a close friendship, Kelly is optimistic he will get a new deal for his client without any problems.

“We’ve had a good relationship over the years and I would expect that to continue. It’s just a matter of coming to terms on dollars.”

“That’s the only issue,”

Kiprusoff, who is in the final year of his contract, will make $3.6 million this season. Lefebvre speculates that the Finn could get an average salary of between what Martin Brodeur is making and ($5.2 million) and what Roberto Luongo ($6.75 million) will earn this season.

However, Sutter warns that the Flames are operating under a budget and whatever the club’s Star netminder will earn will have to fit into it.

“We’ve pretty much been able to keep our guys together and work within the framework of a budget,” noted Sutter, who this summer signed right-winger Jarome Iginla and defenceman Robyn Regehr to five-year extensions.

“And we’ll continue to. If it gets to the point where somebody doesn’t want to play here and (demands too much money), then he won’t.”