Rasmus Dahlin’s Personal Story
Rasmus Dahlin, the captain of the Buffalo Sabres, shared a deeply personal story on Friday regarding his fiancée, Carolina Matovac, who underwent a heart transplant this summer after experiencing a serious medical emergency while they were in France. The couple, who have been together for several years and even celebrate their birthdays on the same day, opened up about the ordeal that began when Matovac, just 25, fell ill during their vacation.
The Medical Emergency
In a heartfelt statement, Dahlin described the severity of the situation, noting that Matovac received CPR numerous times—sometimes for extended periods—that ultimately preserved her life until medical help could take over.
“If it weren’t for those who provided her with lifesaving CPR, the outcome would have been devastating,”
Dahlin remarked.
“It’s difficult to even contemplate the worst possible outcome.”
Recovery Journey
After her condition deteriorated, Matovac was quickly transferred to a French hospital where she spent several weeks on life support before the transplant was successfully performed. Once stable, she was able to return to their home country of Sweden, where she is currently in rehabilitation. Dahlin expressed optimism about her recovery, stating she is making progress toward a full healing.
Advocacy for CPR Training and Organ Donation
As he prepares for the upcoming NHL season, Dahlin is still weighing in on the importance of CPR training and organ donation awareness.
“This experience has opened my eyes, and we want to emphasize the critical work of emergency and healthcare personnel who often go unrecognized,”
he shared. The star defenseman is grateful for the gift of life provided through organ donation, reflecting on how precious daily experiences can be.
Looking Ahead
Dahlin, who was picked first overall in the 2018 NHL Draft—a milestone for Swedish players—had a standout season last year, recording 68 points in 73 games and finishing sixth in Norris Trophy voting. As the Sabres aim to reach the playoffs for the first time during his tenure, he will continue to support Matovac through her recovery. He admires her incredible determination, spirit, positivity, and resilience throughout this challenging period, highlighting the profound lessons they have learned together amidst adversity.
