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Buffalo Sabers captain Rasmus Dahlin has taken an indefinite leave of absence from the team just months after his fiancée, Carolina Matovac, underwent a heart transplant, the team announced Friday.
Head coach Lindy Ruff spoke to reporters on Friday and shared that Matovac had not suffered any setbacks, but that Dahlin would travel to Sweden as he continues to recover.
Carolina Matovac and Rasmus Dahlin (26) of the Buffalo Sabers pose on the red carpet at the Metro Toronto Convention Center in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on February 1, 2024. (Nicole Osborne/NHLI via Getty Images)
“[Dahlin] “Everything is fine,” he said via ESPN. “I think it’s been incredibly difficult. I completely understand what this young man is going through. I don’t think you can describe it. I’m very passionate about the fact that no one would want to be in his shoes and have dealt with what he’s dealt with. He has everyone’s support in this. This is bigger than hockey.”
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Ruff said there was no timetable for Dahlin’s return.
In an open letter to her fans in September, Dahlin shared that Matovac had been feeling unwell for several days, leading her to experience “major heart failure.”
“Fortunately, she received CPR on multiple occasions, and up to a couple of hours at a time to keep her alive, which ultimately saved her life. Without receiving CPR, which saved her life, the outcome would have been unimaginable. It’s hard to even think about the worst-case scenario,” he wrote.
Matovac remained on life support for weeks before receiving the transplant in France.
Rasmus Dahlin (26) of the Buffalo Sabers skates during the first period against the Philadelphia Flyers at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, on April 17, 2025. (Rebeca Villagracia/Getty Images)
NHL STAR REVEALS HIS FIANCE RECEIVED A HEART TRANSPLANT AFTER SUFFERING ‘MAJOR HEART FAILURE’ DURING THE VACATION
“Without the incredible commitment, expertise, care and sensitivity of everyone who treated Carolina, we would not be in the position we are in today, with Carolina recovering well and on the road to a full recovery.”
“While Carolina is still working on her rehab to be back with me in Buffalo, she has shown incredible determination, spirit, positivity and resilience that amazes me,” Dahlin continued. “This has undoubtedly been the most challenging chapter of our lives, however, it is something we have learned a lot from. We will continue to grow from these experiences and are so grateful for all the love and support we have received. We are truly blessed in many ways and fully realize how fortunate we are.”
Rasmus Dahlin (26) of the Buffalo Sabers prepares for a faceoff during an NHL game against the New York Rangers at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, on October 9, 2025. (Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images)
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Dahlin, 25, is entering his eighth NHL season after being selected first overall by Buffalo in the 2018 draft. The Swedish defenseman surpassed 50 points in each of his last four seasons and was selected to represent his country at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
He has nine points in 14 games this season.
