Michael Pelech’s progress is coming slowly but surely. Signed to an AHL deal by the Manchester Monarchs last August, the former Kings draft pick started the season in Manchester, was assigned to Ontario in late October and never left.

At 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, Pelech was among the team’s largest forwards, and he used his size effectively on occasion while centering the team’s shutdown line. When Dusty Collins was in the AHL, Pelech was usually the man in the faceoff circle late in games on defensive-zone draws. He was also among the league leaders in minor penalties again — probably the biggest flaw in his game — but his minutes in key situations only went up as the year went on.

Pelech started with two goals and four assists in his first 21 games, was a healthy scratch once in December, but finished strong late (like many of his teammates) with nine goals and 19 assists in 63 games.

Here’s what he had to say before leaving the rink Tuesday:

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