With training camps across the NHL due to open next month, now is a good time to peer into our crystal ball and see the future.

We're not looking to far ahead, just to the start of the season and what lines, pairings, and units the Blueshirts will be using on opening night.

Many fans like to attempt and divine the future through playing fantasy sports.

Everybody likes to play General Manager for an hour or so, but they have no idea just how hard it is to actually do the job of Jeff Gorton and Co. But that never stops people from trying.

So, without further ado, here's an educated estimation of what the Rangers Opening Night lineup will look like.

Forward lines and Defense pairings

Top line: Zuccarello-Zibanejad-Nash

Zucc and Zib are a combo that works, as is Zib and Nash. Having these three together is the Rangers' best play-making and goal-scoring dynamic.

Second line: Kreider-Hayes-Vesey

The all Boston line. Kreider has yet to show he's a true top-line guy and ditto for Hayes. Vesey will alternate as Alain Vigneault likes to play him with Nash, but he must earn that time.

Third line: Buchnevich-Miller-Grabner

Miller and Grabner have wicked chemistry as shown by last season's first half. Buchnevich will bring some skill to a third line that could be among the best in the league.

Fourth line: Puempel-Desharnais-Fast

Desharnais will add grit and skill to the bottom line, and when Fast comes back from surgery will be a potent duo.

Expect Puempel to rotate with whoever gets the call from Hartford. Fast will miss start of season due to hip surgery and is expected back in late November, early December.

Top: Shattenkirk-McDonagh

The money just given to Shattenkirk is a sign that the brass want him on the top pairing, although St. Louis and Washington often kept him on second pair.

No need to question McDonagh's placement.

Second: Smith-Skjei

The chemistry these two showed late last season and in the playoffs will provide a dynamic similar to what San Jose has in Burns and Vlasic. Skjei will go on offense and Smith will stay home to protect.

Third: Holden-Staal

A revolving door all season that will likely be a weak spot of team.

Expect DeAngelo to fight for playing time as well.

Anthony DeAngelo, acquired from Arizona, should alternate in as will Steven Kempfer. That being said, once DeAngelo shows some maturity 'on and off the ice' he will supplement Holden and make Holden expendable.

Goaltending and special teams

Starter: Lundqvist

The king returns to his throne for the 13th season of his illustrious career.

Backup: Pavelec

After having Cam Talbot and Antti Raanta as backups for the past few seasons, Rangers fans have gotten spoiled with quality goaltending when the King rests. Well those days are over, at least for now.

Top unit: Shattenkirk, Nash, Zucc, Zibanejad, Vesey

Shattenkirk was brought in for one reason, to man the point on a pitiful power play.

Top playmakers need to be on top unit and they are, although Zib and Miller could alternate here.

Second unit: McDonagh, Miller, Kreider, Buchnevich, Hayes

McDonagh will thrive running point on second unit as he was over exposed on top unit. Not much difference in skill level between top and second so expect plenty of moving parts.

Expect Brady Skjei to alternate in as the fifth skater on either unit due to his play making ability and Vigneault's preference for occasionally having two defenseman out there.

Top unit: Nash, Grabner, Shattenkirk, McDonagh

Grabner does not play on power play but is a force on the penalty kill with his speed. Nash betrays his reputation and is among league best forwards on penalty kill.

Second unit: Desharnais, Fast, Smith, Skjei

Grit and speed will be the responsibility of the forwards while the defensemen are sound choices.

Potential call-ups

After watching prospect camp I expect Centre Gabriel Fontaine to get the call before New Years as long as he adjusts well to Hartford -- he is turning pro.

Second call up will likely be either John Gilmour or Ryan Gropp, both of whom Rangers' high-command are high on, but they must first prove that last season's miserable defense was an aberration.

There you have it. The Rangers should have a fairly balanced roster and once again be in the mix for a deep playoff run.