The Sabres captain, Rasmus Dahlin, revealed this Friday that his fiancée, Carolina Matovac, received a heart transplant this summer after a traumatic health issue while they were on vacation in France. In a joint letter, the couple shared details about Matovac’s severe heart failure, which began with the 25-year-old feeling unwell for a few days.
Matovac was transferred to a hospital in France, where she remained on life support for weeks before benefiting from a heart transplant. Finally, Matovac was able to travel back to Sweden, the couple’s home country, where she began her rehabilitation process. According to Dahlin, she is on her way to a “full recovery”. The couple, who share the same birthday, have been together for several years. Dahlin, who was named captain of the Sabres before last season, delayed his arrival in Buffalo as long as possible at the start of training camp. He is expected to be fully ready for the season, although Matovac remains in Sweden for now. The prominent defender decided to share details of the experience to raise awareness about CPR training and organ donation. The experience was revealing for Dahlin, and he said he hopes to highlight the people and infrastructure that helped his family.Fortunately, she received CPR on multiple occasions, and even for a couple of hours straight to keep her alive, which ultimately saved her life.
Rasmus Dahlin
Dahlin was the No. 1 pick in the 2018 draft, the second Swedish player to be selected first overall. He finished sixth in the Norris Trophy voting last season after scoring 68 points (17 goals, 51 assists) in 73 games, averaging 24:14 minutes per game. The Sabres are looking to make the playoffs this season for the first time in Dahlin’s career.We want to recognize the tireless and, often, thankless efforts of emergency and health professionals everywhere. We cannot thank all organ donors enough, and we are grateful beyond words for the new life that organ donation has given to Carolina.
Rasmus Dahlin
While Carolina is still working on her rehabilitation to return to being with me in Buffalo, she has shown incredible determination, spirit, positivity, and resilience that amazes me.
Rasmus Dahlin
