Rasmus Dahlin Returns to Sabres After Supporting Fiancée

Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin has rejoined the team after taking a leave of absence to support his fiancée, Carolina Matovac, as she recovers from a heart transplant in Sweden. Dahlin made his return ahead of the Sabres’ game against the Detroit Red Wings on November 11, 2023.

Matovac’s health issues began last summer while she and Dahlin were on vacation in France. She suffered from sudden heart failure and received urgent medical care before being transported to the hospital. Following her surgery, Matovac stayed in Sweden to recuperate, prompting Dahlin to prioritize her well-being over the start of the season. He initially left the team on November 7 to be by her side.

Dahlin expressed his admiration for Matovac, stating, “She’s an absolute warrior. She grinds every day, and she gets better every day.” His return is not only a personal triumph but also a significant boost for the Sabres, according to head coach Lindy Ruff. “Anytime you get your captain back, it’s a jolt for the team, and I think everybody was excited to see him,” Ruff said.

Throughout this challenging season, Dahlin has managed to maintain his performance on the ice, contributing nine points in 14 games and averaging over 24 minutes of playtime per night. His leadership has been vital since Buffalo selected him first overall in the 2018 NHL Draft.

This season has presented distractions for Dahlin, but his commitment to both his team and Matovac highlights his resilience. As he steps back into a crucial role with the Sabres, the team looks to build momentum with their captain leading the defense once more.

With Matovac’s recovery progressing, Dahlin’s focus will now shift to regaining his rhythm in the upcoming games, aiming to make a strong impact on the Sabres’ season.