Jason Spezza has begun more rigorous training, but he still believed to be a long way away from returning to the lineup. "He's skating and it's gone beyond public skating," said coach Paul MacLean Wednesday. "It's gone to the next stage of his rehab. We're hoping for him it can progress as quickly as it can. At the same time, it has to be done properly. He has elevated his work schedule and that's good." MacLean added that Spezza isn't close to resuming practices with the team, which would indicate that he's nearing a return to playing. Ottawa's top center underwent back surgery in January and the fact that he's making progress now is encouraging.