SAN JOSE — New York had the potential to be the pinnacle of Vincent Trocheck’s career.

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After having a front-row seat to the pesky center’s impact on the Hurricanes in the 2022 playoffs, the Rangers signed Trocheck to a seven-year, $39.75 million deal to replace outgoing second-line center Ryan Strome. It was essentially an exchange of skill sets, but the hope was that Trocheck could give the top six a more blue-collar style.

Turns out, Trocheck, who did not have a point in the Rangers’ 3-1 loss to the Sharks on Friday night, has been an undisputed upgrade.

President and general manager Chris Drury is now in a position where he has to listen on just about every player on the Rangers roster, and the 32-year-old Trocheck is a high-value trade chip.