Calgary Flames (2001–2003) On July 2, 2001, Boughner signed with the Calgary Flames, giving the young, rebuilding club a solid veteran presence. On October 3, 2001, Boughner played in his first career game with the Flames, going pointless in a 1–0 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. On October 13, Boughner earned his first goal and added an assist for his first points with Calgary, beating Ed Belfour of the Dallas Stars, in a 4–3 Flames victory. He finished the season with two goals and six points, with a team high 170 penalty minutes in 79 games, however, the Flames failed to reach the playoffs. For the latter half of the season, Boughner served as co-captain of the team. In 2002–03, Boughner had the best offensive season of his NHL career, scoring three goals and 17 points in 69 games, however, the Flames missed the playoffs once again. On July 16, 2003, the Flames traded Boughner and a fourth round draft pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft to the Carolina Hurricanes for a fifth round pick in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. Carolina Hurricanes (2003–2004) Due to injuries at the start of the 2003–04 season, Boughner did not appear in his first game with the Carolina Hurricanes until October 28, 2003, where he was held pointless in a 3–0 victory over the San Jose Sharks. He earned his first point with the Hurricanes on November 28, an assist, in a 4–2 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. In 43 games with Carolina, Boughner had five assists. He was traded to the Colorado Avalanche for Chris Bahen, a fourth round draft pick and a fifth round draft pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. Colorado Avalanche (2004–2006) Boughner finished the 2003–04 season with the Colorado Avalanche, and appeared in his first game with the team on February 22, 2004, earning no points in a 3–1 win over the Minnesota Wild. In 11 games with Colorado, Boughner was kept off the score sheet, as the Avalanche reached the playoffs. In his first career playoff game with the team, Boughner had two assists in a 3–1 win over the Dallas Stars on April 7. Overall, in 11 playoff games, Boughner had four assists. Boughner did not play any hockey during the 2004–05 season due to the NHL lockout which cancelled the entire season. In 2005–06, Boughner scored a goal and seven points in 42