SALT LAKE CITY — Matias Maccelli and the Toronto Maple Leafs visit the Utah Mammoth on Tuesday. For Maccelli, it marks his first visit to Delta Center since he was traded by the club to the Leafs last summer for a conditional third-round pick.

Maccelli spoke before the game on various topics, including getting texts from his former teammates, his growing confidence and role on the second line and the club's big win against the Colorado Avalanche the night before.

"It's a little weird to be on that locker room and not on the other one, "Maccelli said." It's good to be back. Just try to focus on the game now, and then after the game say hi to a couple of friends and go on."

Mccelli has seven goals and 10 assists in 34 games this season. 

Q: Some of them light you up, though, with texts upon your arrival or today?

Yeah, a couple of them did and told me to keep my head up,so we'll see what happens.

Q: Who will you be keeping your eye on the most tonight on the other side?

Probably Lawsome Crouse You know, he's a big guy, so I've got to be careful with him, but I'll give it back to them if I get a chance.

Q: Were you chirping them a bit after you got bragging rights last time you saw them?

Yeah, I mean, we were close when I played here, so we go back and forth a little bit, so it's fun.

'My Job Is To Get Him In The Lineup': Matias Maccelli Set To Return To Maple Leafs Lineup Soon, Second Chance Or Trade Showcase?With trade rumors swirling and a potential showcase on the horizon, head coach Craig Berube looks to soon reintegrate Matias Maccelli into the Toronto lineup after a month-long absence.

Q: You know this group. What is, you know, maybe what makes them so dangerous? What do you guys have to be prepared for as far as the scouting report?

You know, they're really good off the rush. They got a lot of skill in their lineup. Their power play is good. We just have to make sure we play a good team game and we take care of special teams and just play a solid 60.

Q: What did it feel like last night to beat Colorado?

You know, the whole league talks about Colorado, how good they are, they're not losing stuff. So it gives us good momentum to go in there and get that win. So it definitely feels really good.

‘Obviously It’s Not What You Want’: Matias Maccelli Deserves Longer Look Following Return From Press Box In Loss Against PredatorsAfter making his return from the press box against Nashville, Matias Maccelli’s standout performance on the second line suggests he has earned a much longer look in the Maple Leafs' lineup.

Q: What stands out about the way William Nylander came back?

I mean, not surprised that he came in the way he did. I mean, he's a good player. Yeah, we've been playing good together too, so looking forward tonight.

Q: What has stood out over the last 10 games compared earlier that you've noticed has been different about the group?

"When you start winning games, it brings this momentum to the team. Guys are in a better mood. Guys are laughing, chirping, whatever more. And then it just brings in a good mood. And then obviously you still got to work hard, play well, and be all about business. But, yeah, it helps for sure.

Q: What do you like about how you've been playing?

Yeah, it's been good now. Obviously getting more ice time too helps. My strength is with the puck and trying to make plays. So it helps when you play a little more and get more touches. Obviously, you get to play with JT (John Tavares and Willy (Nylander), so it makes my life a little easier, too.

Q: How much did your time out of the lineup kind of light a bit of fire?

Yeah, I mean, everyone wants to play, so. You know, when I was out for a few games, you know, just trying to reset, work hard and practice. And then once I got back in, just gave it my everything.

Q: Matthew Knies was saying he's very excited to see what you put on the board tonight. Is this going to be a career high, do you think, for you and money on the board?

I don't know. We'll see. The guys are going to be all over me, so probably.

Q: What about the city and this market? What stood out living here? It's a new market.

Yeah, it's great. The fans are unbelievable here all the way down from the ownership. It's top-notch. The new practice facility they got and the building here, what they're doing, it's really nice. They got a good thing going here.

Nick Robertson day-to-day with leg injury

Nick Robertson will not play against the Mammoth after he blocked a shot that forced him to leave during the club's 4-3 overtime win on Monday.

Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube categorized the injury as day-to-day but not serious. Robertson was chatting with staff and appeared to be moving around without much issue when observing him after the game.

Calle Jarnkrok will draw in for Robertson/

Dennis Hildeby gets the start in goal for the Leafs.

Craig Berube says Nick Robertson is day-to-day following that injury last night.

Calle Jarnkrok is in.

Dennis Hildeby in net. @BodogCA

— David Alter (@davidalter) January 14, 2026