with the Red Wings AHL affiliate, the Adirondack Red Wings, in 1991–92, as he appeared in only one game, getting no points, while registering seven penalty minutes. Boughner spent the entire 1992–93 with Adirondack, appearing in 69 games, scoring a goal and 17 points, as well as 190 penalty minutes, which was the fourth highest total on the team. Boughner did not appear in any playoff games due to injuries. With more ice time in 1993–94 with Adirondack, Boughner saw his offensive production increase, scoring eight goals and 22 points in 72 games. Boughner also accumulated 292 penalty minutes, second highest on the team. In the postseason, Boughner had a goal and two points in 10 games. Following the season, Boughner was granted free agency. Florida Panthers (1994–1996) On July 25, 1994, Boughner signed with the Florida Panthers as a free agent. The Panthers assigned Boughner to the Cincinnati Cyclones of the IHL for the 1994–95 season. In 81 games with Cincinnati, Boughner had two goals and 16 points, and had 192 penalty minutes, second highest total on the team, helping the Cyclones reach the postseason. In 10 playoff games, Boughner had no points. In 1995–96, the Panthers assigned Boughner to their AHL affiliate, the Carolina Monarchs, where in 46 games, Boughner had two goals and 17 points, and 127 penalty minutes. On February 1, 1996, the Panthers traded Boughner to the Buffalo Sabres for the Sabres third round draft choice in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft. Buffalo Sabres (1996–1998) After acquiring Boughner from the Florida Panthers on February 1, 1996, the Sabres decided to promote him to the NHL for the remainder of the 1995–96 season. On February 3, Boughner made his NHL debut, getting no points and 12 penalty minutes, in a 4–2 loss to the Boston Bruins. On February 23, Boughner recorded his first career point, an assist, in the Sabres 7–2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. Boughner remained with the Sabres for the rest of the season, earning just the one assist in 31 games, as well as 104 penalty minutes, however, Buffalo failed to make the playoffs. Boughner stayed in Buffalo for the 1996–97 season, and on February 21, 1997, in his 85th career game, Boughner scored his first career NHL goal against Éric Fichaud of the New York Islanders in a 5–2 Sabres victory. On March 11, Boughner recorded his first multi-point game, earning