In a deeply emotional revelation, Buffalo Sabres star Rasmus Dahlin and his fiancée, Carolina Matovac, have shared heartbreaking news about a personal tragedy that unfolded during her severe health crisis last summer. The couple disclosed on Monday that Matovac was pregnant at the time of her near-death scare in France, but tragically lost the baby amid the traumatic ordeal.
A Devastating Announcement on a Significant Date
The couple chose to make this devastating announcement on Monday, which would have marked their baby's due date, adding a poignant layer to their grief. Matovac, who got engaged to the NHL defenseman in 2025, shared the news in a heartfelt Instagram post, accompanied by a photo capturing a raw moment from their journey.
The image shows Matovac receiving medical care on a plane, wearing an oxygen mask and hospital gown, with Dahlin crouched supportively beside her. This visual underscores the intensity of the health battle they faced together.
The Emotional Words of a Grieving Mother
In her post, Matovac expressed profound sorrow and love for their unborn child. She wrote, 'Today was meant to be the day we finally met you. You will always hold a special place in our hearts as our first baby, even though we never had the chance to meet. Our love for you is endless.'
She further revealed that concerns for their baby during her pregnancy initially led them to the hospital, where she experienced her first heart failure. Matovac added, 'Though you didn't get to experience this world, you played a vital role in ensuring that I could continue to be a part of it. This is just one of the many reasons I am alive today, able to embrace a normal life once again. You are our hero, and I hope you are being well cared for in heaven. We love you, baby Matovac Dahlin.'
The Harrowing Health Crisis in France
The traumatic events began last summer while the couple was on vacation in France. Matovac started feeling unwell for a few days, which rapidly escalated into major heart failure. Dahlin detailed in September that his fiancée required CPR on multiple occasions, sometimes for up to a couple of hours at a time, and spent weeks on life support before ultimately receiving a life-saving heart transplant.
Dahlin's Support and Career Impact
Rasmus Dahlin, the 25-year-old Buffalo Sabres captain in his eighth NHL season, took an indefinite leave of absence from the team to support Matovac during her recovery. He returned to Sweden, where she was recuperating from the transplant, in November, before rejoining the Sabres later that month.
Dahlin, selected first overall by Buffalo in the 2018 draft, has been a standout player, topping 50 points in each of his past four seasons and earning a spot to represent Sweden at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics. His temporary departure highlighted the personal sacrifices athletes often make during family crises.
A Story of Resilience and Loss
This announcement sheds light on the couple's immense resilience in the face of dual tragedies: a life-threatening health emergency and the loss of their first child. Their openness about this painful chapter aims to raise awareness and connect with others who have endured similar hardships.
The Buffalo Sabres community and fans have rallied around Dahlin and Matovac, offering support as they navigate this difficult period. Their story underscores the unpredictable challenges that can arise, even during what should be joyous times like vacations and pregnancies.
