Sabres’ Dahlin Departs to Support Fiancée
Buffalo Sabres’ captain Rasmus Dahlin has announced a leave of absence to support his fiancée, Carolina Matovac, who is recovering from a heart transplant in Sweden. The date of this decision was reported on November 7, 2025, with no clear return timeline for Dahlin.
Dahlin’s Commitment to Family
Dahlin’s decision comes as Matovac continues her recovery following a serious health crisis that began last summer. While vacationing in France, she faced sudden heart failure and required immediate medical attention. Since then, she has remained in Sweden to recuperate.
Support from the Sabres
Sabres coach Lindy Ruff has publicly supported Dahlin during this challenging time. “This is larger than hockey,” Ruff stated. He acknowledged the emotional toll on Dahlin and emphasized that family takes precedence over professional commitments.
- Rasmus Dahlin: Buffalo Sabres captain since 2018
- Carolina Matovac: Dahlin’s fiancée, recovering from heart transplant
- Dahlin’s performance: 9 points in 14 games this season
- Average ice time: Over 24 minutes per game
Challenges on the Ice
Despite personal difficulties, Dahlin has managed to perform commendably on the ice. However, after a recent loss to the St. Louis Blues, he expressed dissatisfaction with his performance. “I want to create more. I want to do more out there,” he commented.
Coach Ruff reinforced the importance of Dahlin prioritizing his family’s needs over hockey. As the Sabres captain navigates through this tough season, the support from his team and focus on his personal life remain paramount.
