One of the most important players in the history of Calgary Flames, Miikka Kiprusoff, officially announced his retirement on Monday.

It has been a 10-year-long career for Miikka Kiprusoff with the Flames. Kiprusoff eventually ended up being one of the two most influential goaltenders of the team along with Mike Vernon. He had a $35 million contract with the Flames for his involvement in the team for 6 years.

Kiprusoff, 36, had an extremely memorable nine seasons with the team, featuring an unforgettable run to the final of the 2004 Stanley Cup. Even though the decision of his retirement was already taken by the end of his last season with the team, he said that he used the summer to be absolutely sure of committing to the same.

Kiprusoff's decision to retire is going to save the team $5.888 million which they would have paid to him as a charge for his salary cap. On the other hand, Calgary Flames claime that they have already been aware of Kiprusoff's plans. It was a mutual decision not to disclose the same to the public before Kiprusoff become 100% sure.

Kiprusoff seconds what Flames claimed, as he talked about his retirement with Finnish reporters. Meanwhile, Flames has already signed two new goalies, Reto Berra and Karri Ramo. In addition, they have also been successful in convincing Joey MacDonald to agree to an extension of his service in the team. All these off-season actions by the team management did suggest that there would be a significant change in the team line-up in the coming future.

Jay Feaster, the general manager of Flames, issued a statement which said that 2013 would be the last season for Kiprusoff in the team. He stated that Kiprusoff wished to finish the outstanding career he had in the Flames.

Kiprusoff issued a release saying that the decision was critically important for the fans of the Flames. He also mentioned that it was equally important for him and his family along with the team as well. He said that he had been extremely lucky to have played in a team like the Flames for 10 long years.

Watch Miikka Kiprusoff compilation video here:

Video courtesy: YouTube/trav4oilers