Dahlin reveals fiancée's heart transplant after French vacation
Sabres captain updates on partner's health as team prepares for the season
Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin revealed that his fiancée, Carolina Matovac, required a heart transplant after suffering heart failure during a summer vacation in France. Dahlin, who is widely regarded as one of the NHL's top young defenders, has been with Matovac for several years and the couple are engaged. The letter releasing the information was posted on the Sabres' website. "While on vacation in France early this summer, Carolina began to feel sick for a few days, which quickly turned into her experiencing major heart failure. Fortunately, she received CPR on multiple occasions, and up to a couple hours at a time to keep her alive, which ultimately saved her life," the letter said. "She was transferred to a hospital where she remained on life support for weeks before she was a beneficiary of a heart transplant while still in France."
Dahlin and Matovac thanked the medical teams who treated her, noting that she would not be alive without lifesaving CPR and subsequent care. Her life was saved, and she is now recovering as Dahlin prepares to start the NHL season. The couple credited the Centre of Antibes Juan-Les-Pins Hopitaux Universitaires de Marseille, the Sahlgrenska Hospital in Gothenburg, and the Hogsbo Rehabilitation Center for their lifesaving support. "Without the incredible commitment, expertise, care, and sensitivity of all the people who treated Carolina, we would not be in the position that we are in today, with Carolina recovering well and on the path to 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."
Matovac's condition and recovery timeline come as Dahlin and the Sabres look to the upcoming season. Buffalo's preseason opens Monday with a road game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, while the regular season is scheduled to begin on Oct. 9 at home against the New York Rangers.