Sabres Captain Rasmus Dahlin Takes Leave to Support Fiancée

Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin has announced he is taking a leave of absence and returning to Sweden to address a personal matter. This decision comes as Dahlin supports his fiancée, Carolina Matovac, who required a lifesaving heart transplant earlier this year.

Speaking to the media, Sabres coach Lindy Ruff confirmed Dahlin’s absence, stating, “He said everything is OK.” Ruff emphasized the team’s full support for the captain, although he noted that there is currently no set timeline for Dahlin’s return to the ice.

In September, Dahlin shared the harrowing details of Matovac’s health crisis. While on vacation in France, she began to feel unwell, which escalated into a heart failure incident requiring CPR on multiple occasions. Following her heart failure, she spent weeks on life support before successfully receiving a transplant. Dahlin reported that Matovac is now “on the path to a full recovery” and is rehabilitating in Sweden.

Dahlin, aged 25, is in his eighth season in the NHL after being drafted first overall by the Sabres in 2018. He has consistently performed well, collecting over 50 points in each of the past four seasons. His contributions to the team have also earned him a spot on the roster for the upcoming 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics. This season, Dahlin has recorded nine points in 14 games.

Ruff expressed understanding for the emotional toll this situation has taken on Dahlin. He stated, “I think it’s been incredibly hard. Not easy. I fully understand what this young man is going through. I don’t think you can describe it, and I don’t think you can feel what he’s feeling.”

The Sabres organization has rallied around their captain during this challenging time, recognizing that matters of health and family extend beyond the realm of hockey. As Dahlin focuses on supporting Matovac, the team remains united in their commitment to him, highlighting the importance of personal well-being in the face of professional obligations.