Winnipeg, MB (Sports Network) - Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien pleaded guilty to careless boating as part of a plea deal stemming from an arrest last August in Minnesota.

The deal was struck so the 27-year-old could avoid going to trial Monday on drunken boating charges, according to the Free Press.

"After allowing the legal process to play out, we are thankful to see this matter resolved to the satisfaction of all parties involved," said Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff. "As an organization, the Winnipeg Jets are happy this is behind Dustin and he can look forward to the upcoming hockey season, along with the rest of the team and their passionate fan base."

Byfuglien faced four separate charges in the wake of his August 31 arrest at Lake Minnetonka on suspicion of boating while intoxicated, which included boating while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, refusing to provide a blood or urine sample, failing to display proper lighting and failing to provide sufficient safety devices for himself and his three passengers.

However, since the lesser charge is classified as a misdemeanor, Byfuglien was sentenced to one year of probation, two days of public service, one day in an alcohol education program and a $1,000 fine, according to the paper.

Byfuglien, a Minneapolis native, won the Stanley Cup with Chicago in 2010 but was traded to the Atlanta Thrashers about two weeks later. He has 87 goals and 215 points in 407 career NHL games.

He scored 12 goals with 41 assists in 66 games last season for the newly- christened Winnipeg franchise.

The Sports Network