Ottawa Senators' Jason SpezzaThe Associated Press
Jason Spezza is on his way to Switzerland.
The Ottawa Senators forward has signed on with Rapperswil-Jona for the duration of the NHL lockout, joining fellow Canadians Logan Couture (Geneva-Servette) and Rick Nash and Joe Thornton (HC Davos) in the Swiss A League.
Spezza is coming off a strong season with the Sens, where he scored 34 goals and 84 points in 80 games.
The 29-year-old spent the 2004-05 lockout in the American Hockey League — winning the MVP award — and indicated last week that he'd talked to a number of players who went to Europe during that lost season.
"A lot of guys went over last time and played and enjoyed it," said Spezza. "And I think that message has kind of trickled down."
The NHL lockout entered its fourth day with no formal meetings scheduled between the league and NHL Players' Association. The sides last sat down together on Sept. 12.