BUFFALO, N.Y. — At the start of training camp, Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin shared details of a scary medical emergency his fiancee dealt with while the two were vacationing in France this summer. In a letter Dahlin posted to social media, Dahlin described that his fiancee, Carolina Matovac, began feeling sick for a few days, and it quickly took a turn for the worse with her experiencing heart failure.
She received life-saving CPR and was transferred to a hospital in France, where she was on life support before eventually receiving a heart transplant. Carolina is now in her and Rasmus’ home country of Sweden, and she is expected to make a full recovery.
“While Carolina is still working through her rehab to return to be with me in Buffalo, she has demonstrated an incredible determination, spirit, positivity, and resilience that I am in awe of,” Dahlin wrote. “This has undoubtedly been the most challenging chapter of our lives, however it is something that we have learned so much from. We will continue to grow from these experiences and are so grateful for all the love and support we have received.”
A letter from Rasmus and Carolina. 💙
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) September 19, 2025
Dahlin, 25, has been on the ice with the Sabres for the start of training camp. He’s entering his second season as the team’s captain and eighth season in the league. Carolina has played a major role in Dahlin’s foundation, which is “dedicated to improving the lives of children with various needs around the Buffalo community.” While he asked for privacy regarding Carolina’s ongoing recovery, he wanted to share the experience to put a spotlight on all of the people who helped throughout the summer and bring awareness to the life-saving care she received.
“We want to spotlight the importance of CPR treatment, CPR training, organ donation, and heart-related issues that impact so many people and families around the world,” Dahlin wrote. “We want to recognize the tireless and oftentimes thankless efforts of emergency and healthcare professionals everywhere. We cannot say thank you enough to all organ donors, and are appreciative beyond words for the new life that organ donation has provided to Carolina.”
Dahlin said he’s in a good headspace at training camp and is motivated by how hard Carolina is working in her rehab. He also said the support of his teammates has been a big boost since arriving back in Buffalo.
“It’s unbelievable,” Dahlin said. “I don’t think when this stuff happens, you see each other as a captain or whatever. You’re just a human with good people around you. I couldn’t be more thankful for all of the support.”
(Photo of Carolina Matovac and Rasmus Dahlin: Nicole Osborne / NHLI via Getty Images)
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