Last Updated on November 7, 2026 by Carmen Marins
Rasmus Dahlin is a Swedish professional ice hockey player who serves as captain of the Buffalo Sabres in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on April 13, 2000, in Trollhättan, Sweden, Dahlin grew up in a family with strong connections to ice hockey.
His parents are Martin Dahlin and Åsa Dahlin, while his siblings are his older brother, Felix Dahlin, and younger sister, Ella Dahlin. His father played competitive hockey in Sweden and later became a youth hockey coach.
In his personal life, Dahlin is engaged to Carolina Matovac, his longtime girlfriend and partner in charitable activities. Their relationship has received significant public attention, particularly following Carolina’s emergency heart transplant in 2025.
The couple also experienced the loss of their unborn child, a heartbreaking experience Carolina publicly discussed in January 2026.
Rasmus Dahlin’s Girlfriend: Who Is Carolina Matovac?
Rasmus Dahlin is engaged to Carolina Matovac, his longtime girlfriend and future wife.
The couple first met in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 2015, when Dahlin moved to the city to continue his hockey development with Frölunda HC.
According to the official Rasmus Dahlin Foundation website, their friendship gradually developed into a romantic relationship, and they became a couple in 2019.
Carolina subsequently moved to Buffalo in 2021 to be with Dahlin as he continued establishing himself in the NHL.
Since relocating to the United States, she has become actively involved in community initiatives supporting children and families in Western New York.
The couple have appeared together at various NHL events, including the 2024 NHL All-Star Weekend in Toronto.
They have also collaborated on charitable projects and supported organizations helping children facing medical challenges.
Is Rasmus Dahlin Engaged?
Yes. Rasmus Dahlin and Carolina Matovac are engaged.
Their engagement was publicly confirmed in September 2025 when Dahlin published an emotional letter through the Buffalo Sabres discussing Carolina’s serious medical emergency.
In the letter, he explicitly identified Carolina as his fiancée.
However, the exact date and location of their engagement have not been reliably established in official NHL reporting.
The couple have also not publicly confirmed a wedding date.
What Happened to Rasmus Dahlin’s Fiancée?
In the summer of 2025, Carolina Matovac experienced a life-threatening medical emergency while vacationing with Rasmus Dahlin in France.
According to a statement published by the Buffalo Sabres on September 19, 2025, Carolina initially felt unwell before developing severe heart failure.
Her condition deteriorated rapidly, requiring emergency cardiopulmonary resuscitation and hospitalization.
She spent several weeks on life support before receiving a heart transplant in France.
Following the operation, Carolina continued her recovery and rehabilitation in Sweden.
Dahlin expressed gratitude to medical teams in France and Sweden, including staff at hospitals in Marseille and Gothenburg.
He also thanked the NHL, NHL Players’ Association and Buffalo Sabres organization for supporting the couple during the emergency.
The experience had a significant impact on Dahlin, who temporarily stepped away from professional hockey during the 2025–26 season to spend time with Carolina.
Carolina Matovac’s Return to Buffalo
On March 25, 2026, Carolina attended her first Buffalo Sabres game since undergoing her heart transplant.
During the game against the Boston Bruins, the organization welcomed her back through an announcement at KeyBank Center.
The crowd responded with a standing ovation, creating an emotional moment for Dahlin and his fiancée.
The NHL highlighted the occasion in reporting published the following day.
Dahlin later expressed appreciation for the overwhelming support the couple received from Buffalo fans.
In September 2026, he explained that the summer had been considerably calmer than the previous year and that he was grateful to return to a more normal routine with Carolina.
Does Rasmus Dahlin Have Children?
There is no publicly verified information confirming that Rasmus Dahlin has any living children.
However, he and Carolina Matovac previously experienced a pregnancy loss.
In January 2026, Carolina publicly shared the heartbreaking news that they had lost their unborn baby.
She published a tribute on January 26, the date their child had been expected to arrive.
According to reporting by People and the NHL, Carolina explained that concerns surrounding her pregnancy had contributed to the couple seeking medical attention during her initial health crisis.
She described their unborn child as having played an important role in helping medical professionals recognize her life-threatening condition.
The couple have spoken about their loss with love and remembrance while continuing to recover from the difficult experience.
No additional children have been publicly confirmed.
Rasmus Dahlin’s Parents: Who Are His Father and Mother?
Rasmus Dahlin’s parents are Martin Dahlin and Åsa Dahlin.
Both played important roles in his childhood and hockey development, encouraging him to pursue the sport while maintaining a supportive family environment.
Their identities were confirmed in NHL.com coverage of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft and Swedish reporting about his childhood.
Rasmus Dahlin’s Father: Martin Dahlin
Martin Dahlin is Rasmus Dahlin’s father and a former competitive ice hockey player.
According to The Hockey News, Martin played as a defenseman in Sweden’s second and third divisions for approximately a decade.
After his playing career, he became involved in youth hockey coaching.
Martin coached Rasmus during his early development with HC Lidköping, the club where his son began playing organized hockey.
According to Swedish newspaper TTELA, Martin served as head coach of a youth team between 2012 and 2014.
His coaching experience provided Rasmus with valuable opportunities to develop his skating, positioning and understanding of the game.
However, Martin did not force his son to pursue a professional hockey career.
Instead, he encouraged him to enjoy the sport and develop his abilities naturally.
Rasmus initially played as a forward before transitioning into a defenseman, the position in which he eventually became one of the NHL’s leading players.
Martin also attended important milestones in his son’s career.
On June 22, 2018, he traveled to Dallas with the family to watch Rasmus become the first overall selection in the NHL Entry Draft.
Following the announcement, Martin celebrated with his wife and children as Rasmus officially joined the Buffalo Sabres organization.
Rasmus Dahlin’s Mother: Åsa Dahlin
Rasmus Dahlin’s mother is Åsa Dahlin, whose name is sometimes written as Asa Dahlin in English-language publications.
She raised Rasmus alongside his older brother Felix and younger sister Ella in Sweden.
Åsa has been an important source of support throughout her son’s development, particularly as he progressed from youth hockey to professional competition.
In Swedish interviews published around the 2018 NHL Draft, Rasmus discussed the possibility of his mother helping him settle into life in North America.
At only 18 years old, moving to a different country represented a significant personal adjustment.
Having his mother’s support helped make the transition less intimidating.
Åsa attended the 2018 NHL Draft with Martin, Felix and Ella, witnessing one of the most important moments in Rasmus’s career.
After Buffalo selected her son first overall, she joined the family’s celebrations backstage.
Although Åsa has participated in several important family occasions, details about her professional career have not been extensively documented in reliable public sources.
Rasmus Dahlin’s Siblings: Meet His Brother and Sister
Rasmus Dahlin has two siblings: Felix Dahlin and Ella Dahlin.
Felix is his older brother, while Ella is his younger sister.
Both have played important roles in his personal life and the charitable activities he supports.
Their experiences with chronic health conditions also influenced Dahlin’s decision to create a foundation helping children and families facing medical challenges.
Felix Dahlin: Rasmus Dahlin’s Older Brother
Felix Dahlin is Rasmus Dahlin’s older brother and a former competitive ice hockey player.
Felix was approximately 20 years old when Rasmus was selected in the 2018 NHL Draft, making him about two years older than his brother.
Like Rasmus, Felix developed a passion for hockey during childhood.
He played as a forward and competed in Sweden’s lower professional hockey divisions.
However, his playing career was eventually affected by arthritis.
According to NHL.com reporting from June 2018, Felix had already retired from competitive hockey because of the condition.
Despite the setback, he remained closely involved in supporting his younger brother’s ambitions.
Felix accompanied Rasmus and the rest of the family to Dallas for the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.
When Buffalo selected Rasmus first overall, Felix was among the first family members he embraced.
The moment reflected their close relationship and shared interest in hockey.
Felix Dahlin’s Influence on the Rasmus Dahlin Foundation
Felix’s experiences with arthritis later influenced Rasmus’s charitable work.
In October 2024, the Buffalo Sabres published an article explaining that Felix and Ella had both experienced rheumatoid arthritis during childhood.
The condition required frequent hospital visits and affected their everyday activities.
Rasmus remembered how opportunities to attend professional hockey games and meet players provided meaningful encouragement during difficult periods.
Those experiences helped inspire him to support children who face similar medical challenges.
His foundation subsequently focused on improving the lives of children and families through hockey-related experiences and charitable partnerships.
Ella Dahlin: Rasmus Dahlin’s Younger Sister
Ella Dahlin is Rasmus Dahlin’s younger sister.
She was approximately 13 years old when she accompanied the family to the 2018 NHL Entry Draft in Dallas.
Like her older brother Felix, Ella experienced rheumatoid arthritis during childhood.
According to the Buffalo Sabres, the condition sometimes required hospital treatment and lengthy periods of medical care.
Rasmus has publicly discussed how difficult those experiences were for his siblings and the entire family.
He also recalled how small gestures from professional hockey players helped improve their spirits.
Ella attended the 2018 NHL Draft alongside her parents and brothers and celebrated when Rasmus became Buffalo’s first overall selection.
Although she has appeared in family-related reporting, Ella generally maintains a private life outside professional sports media.
Details about her education, occupation and personal relationships have not been widely documented.
Rasmus Dahlin’s Extended Family
The Dahlin family’s connections to competitive ice hockey extend beyond Rasmus, his father and older brother.
According to the Elite Prospects hockey database, Rasmus also has an uncle named Johan Dahlin and a cousin named Helmer Dahlin, who have connections to organized hockey.
Their family relationships are listed in the database’s biographical information.
However, detailed public information about their personal lives and relationships with Rasmus remains limited.
Rasmus Dahlin’s Childhood and Family Background
Rasmus Dahlin was born in Trollhättan, Sweden, but spent much of his childhood in Lidköping.
According to Swedish newspaper TTELA, his family lived in Grästorp until he was approximately five years old before settling in Lidköping.
Growing up in a household connected to hockey helped him develop an early interest in the sport.
His father had experience playing and coaching, while his older brother Felix was also involved in competitive hockey.
Rasmus began playing for HC Lidköping, where he quickly attracted attention for his skating and puck-handling abilities.
Although Lidköping is particularly well known for bandy, Dahlin chose ice hockey as his primary sport.
His youth coaches described him as exceptionally competitive and determined to improve.
In 2015, Dahlin moved to Gothenburg to join the Frölunda hockey organization.
The move was an important step toward professional competition and also led to his first meeting with Carolina Matovac.
He later developed into one of Sweden’s most promising young defensemen.
How Rasmus Dahlin’s Family Influenced His NHL Career
Family support was central to Dahlin’s rise from youth hockey in Sweden to the National Hockey League.
His father provided technical guidance, while his mother supported his development and the personal adjustments associated with moving away from home.
His siblings also contributed to a family environment shaped by hockey, determination and resilience.
In 2018, the Buffalo Sabres selected Dahlin with the first overall pick in the NHL Entry Draft.
He became the first Swedish player chosen first overall since Mats Sundin in 1989.
Dahlin made his NHL debut on October 4, 2018, against the Boston Bruins.
Over the following seasons, he established himself as an important member of Buffalo’s defensive lineup.
On October 9, 2023, he signed an eight-year, $88 million contract extension with the Sabres.
Buffalo subsequently named him team captain on September 26, 2024.
The appointment represented another major achievement for a player whose family had supported his ambitions since childhood.
Rasmus Dahlin and Carolina Matovac’s Charitable Foundation
One of the most meaningful parts of Dahlin’s family story is his involvement in charitable work.
On October 23, 2024, the Buffalo Sabres announced the launch of the Rasmus Dahlin Foundation.
The organization was established by Dahlin and Carolina Matovac to support children and families throughout Western New York.
The foundation’s mission was influenced by Dahlin’s childhood experiences watching Felix and Ella receive hospital treatment.
Its early charitable partnerships included Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and GiGi’s Playhouse of Buffalo.
Through these initiatives, Dahlin and Carolina have supported children facing medical challenges and helped create opportunities for families to participate in enjoyable activities.
Carolina has also volunteered with local organizations, demonstrating her commitment to the Buffalo community.
The couple’s shared philanthropic work reflects the lasting influence of Dahlin’s family experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rasmus Dahlin’s Family
Who is Rasmus Dahlin’s girlfriend?
Rasmus Dahlin’s longtime girlfriend is Carolina Matovac. The couple began dating in 2019 and are engaged.
Is Rasmus Dahlin married?
Rasmus Dahlin is engaged to Carolina Matovac. There is no verified public announcement confirming that the couple have married.
Does Rasmus Dahlin have children?
There are no publicly confirmed living children. Dahlin and his fiancée previously experienced a pregnancy loss, which Carolina publicly discussed in January 2026.
Who is Rasmus Dahlin’s father?
His father is Martin Dahlin, a former competitive hockey defenseman who later coached youth hockey in Sweden.
Who is Rasmus Dahlin’s mother?
His mother is Åsa Dahlin, who supported his development and attended the 2018 NHL Draft with the family.
How many siblings does Rasmus Dahlin have?
Rasmus Dahlin has two siblings: an older brother named Felix Dahlin and a younger sister named Ella Dahlin.
Is Felix Dahlin a hockey player?
Felix Dahlin previously played competitive hockey in Sweden, but his playing career ended because of arthritis.
Who is Ella Dahlin?
Ella Dahlin is Rasmus Dahlin’s younger sister. Her childhood experiences with arthritis helped inspire his charitable foundation.
What happened to Rasmus Dahlin’s fiancée?
Carolina Matovac experienced severe heart failure while vacationing in France in 2025. She received an emergency heart transplant and subsequently underwent rehabilitation in Sweden.
How did Rasmus Dahlin meet Carolina Matovac?
The couple met in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 2015. Their friendship developed into a romantic relationship in 2019.
Where is Rasmus Dahlin’s family from?
Dahlin was born in Trollhättan, Sweden, and grew up primarily in Lidköping, where he began playing hockey.
Combining a deep passion for hockey with an analytical mindset, Carmen Marins covers the NHL from the opening night of the season all the way through the Stanley Cup playoffs. She focuses on game strategy, team chemistry, trade deadline updates, and player performance metrics, breaking down high-speed ice action into engaging, accessible insights for readers.
