Entering the 2016-17 season, expectations remained low for the Leafs, who iced a youthful roster led by top prospects Matthews and Marner, as well as Nylander who became a full-time NHL regular during the season. However, the team wound up surprising many, unexpectedly making the playoffs, led by Matthews' 40-goal season, for which he was recognized with the Calder Trophy as the top rookie, as well as Marner and Nylander's strong rookie seasons (61 points each). They lost to the heavily favoured Washington Capitals, the President's Trophy winners, in a 6-game first round series. Over the next few years, the Leafs established themselves as a contender in the NHL, behind the core of Matthews, Marner, Nylander and Morgan Rielly, making the playoffs in each of the following 3 seasons but failing to advance past the first round each time.