Much like last season, one player is expected to be the runaway favorite to capture the Calder Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year.

That player is Auston Matthews.

Last year, things didn't work out for the favorite, Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers, as a shoulder injury limited him to 45 games. Despite his injury, McDavid scored 48 points (16G, 32A) and finished third in Calder voting.

Obviously, the rebuilding Toronto Maple Leafs are hoping Matthews will replicate McDavid's scoring and not his limited playing time.

Here's a closer look at Matthews and four other rookies you should keep an eye on heading into the 2016-17 NHL season.

1. Auston Matthews -- Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs don't have a No. 1 center... actually, let's rephrase that: the Leafs don't have a No. 1 center with NHL experience. But Matthews, the No. 1 pick in the 2016 draft, is fully expected to fill that role this season.

Matthews spent last season playing as a pro in Switzerland, and he led his team in goals despite missing a month of play due to a back injury.

At the 2016 World Championships, Matthews scored nine points (6G, 3A) in 10 games and led Team USA in points and goals.

The Arizona-born Matthews is mature beyond his years: He's a creative force, and plays well at both ends of the ice, as well as in the corners. He'll have his work cut out for him in hockey-mad Toronto, but all signs point to him being the cornerstone of that franchise for years to come.

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2. Patrik Laine -- Winnipeg Jets

Laine, drafted second in 2016 by the Winnipeg Jets, is already being compared to Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin. High praise, but justified praise by all appearances.

Laine is a dynamic offensive force who should eventually hover near the 50-goal mark. He has a fast release and should get plenty of opportunities to set up shop at the top of the circle during power plays.  

The Finnish-born Laine is confident, and why shouldn't he be? After all, he was the MVP of the 2016 World Championships, where his team took silver and he also captured a gold medal at the World Junior Championships.

3. Matt Murray -- Pittsburgh Penguins

Yes, Matt Murray, the goaltender who was in the crease when the Pittsburgh Penguins won the Stanley Cup last season, is still considered a rookie after he played well under 25 games last season.

Murray was called into action when starting goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury was knocked out of action late in the season due to concussions. In 13 starts in the regular season, Murray went 9-2, but it was his playoff success that allowed him to pretty much lock up the starting job for the Pens for the coming season.

During the Penguins' Cup run, Murray went 15-6-0, with a 2.08 goals against average and a .923 save percentage.

4.  William Nylander -- Toronto Maple Leafs

Nylander was the No. 8 overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft. The 20-year-old spent most of the last two seasons with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL, where he scored 77 points in 75 games.

Nylander did spend some time in the NHL last season, playing 22 games with the Maple Leafs. During that stint, he showed that he has the talent to play at the NHL level, scoring 13 points (6G, 7A).

Nylander does lack in size, but his skill as a puck-handler and his passing abilities more than make up for his below NHL average stature.

By Trent Reinsmith