John Tavares signs with Swiss team SC Bern

John Tavares posted career-highs in goals (31) and points (81) last season.

Jeanine Leech/Icon SMI

BERN, Switzerland (AP) -- Swiss hockey club Bern says it has signed New York Islanders center John Tavares during the NHL lockout.

Tavares will join Islanders captain Mark Streit, arguably Switzerland's best export to the NHL, at the club. Bern says the 22-year-old Canadian will arrive in Switzerland Tuesday and start training the next day.

Tavares was the first pick of the 2009 NHL draft and earned his first All-Star Game selection last season, in which he earned 81 points in 82 games.

Bern, one of the best supported teams in Europe, says it got financial backing from a benefactor to help pay for Tavares' contract.

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