One of the highest-profile Winnipeg Jets was in a Minneapolis jail Wednesday night.

Defenceman Dustin Byfuglien , 26, was released from custody just before 2:30 a.m. Thursday, according to a Hennepin County arrest report.

Authorities in Minnesota said Byfuglien had been arrested on suspicion of boating while intoxicated.

An employee with the county sheriff's office said Byfuglien was arrested on probable cause and officers have 36 hours to determine if he will actually be charged.

During that time, blood or urine tests will confirm if he was intoxicated.

Byfuglien won a Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010 before being traded to the Atlanta Thrashers and later becoming a Winnipeg Jet.

Carl Shier is with the Lifesaving Society in Canada. He said drinking while boating is a big concern. Shier said alcohol is associated with 40 per cent of boating-related incidents and fatalities.

He said awareness and education is the best way to reduce that number.

Police will consult with the district attorney's office in Minnesota to determine whether charges will be laid against Dustin Byfuglien.

- with files from The Canadian Press and a report from CTV's Nancy Carlson