Karolina Matback, engaged to Buffalo Sabers captain Rasmus Dahlin, shared her grief over a pregnancy loss in a heartfelt Instagram post on Monday. She noted that the unborn child had played a significant part in her diagnosis of heart failure last summer.
Last September, Dahlin had detailed in a letter given to the Sabres that Matback underwent a heart transplant after being placed on life support for weeks during a vacation in France.
On Monday, Matback mentioned that the due date fell on that day, sharing a photo of herself being airlifted to a hospital in France, with Dahlin by her side.
“Today was the day I could finally meet you,” Matback, 25, expressed. “Even though we never got to hold you, you’ll always occupy a special spot in our hearts as our first baby. Our love for you is endless. Despite not being able to experience this world, you played a vital role in helping me remain part of it.”
“Had I not been concerned about your wellbeing, we might not have sought help or gone to the hospital. That choice ensured I was in the right place during my initial heart failure. This is just one reason I’m still here, able to embrace life again.”
“You are our hero. May you be cherished in heaven. We love you, Matback darling 👼🏻🤍🕊️”
Dahlin and Matback, together for over a decade, became engaged last year.
The defenseman, who was the top pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, first disclosed Matback’s heart failure issues during the previous offseason. He described how he felt ill for several days and underwent multiple lifesaving CPR procedures.
Dahlin expressed gratitude toward the “wonderful nurses, doctors, and rehabilitation staff” in hospitals located in Juan-les-Pins and Marseille, France, as well as in his hometown, Gothenburg, Sweden.
He also commended the NHL, the players’ association, and the Pegula family, who own the Sabres.
This season, he took nine days off between games to care for his wife, while still achieving eight goals and 29 assists for the flourishing Sabers (29-17-5).
