Captain Rasmus Dahlin rejoined the Buffalo Sabres today in Detroit after taking a temporary leave of absence to return to his native Sweden for a personal matter.
Dahlin, who left the Sabres last Friday, skated with his teammates this morning and will play against the Red Wings tonight.
The defenseman missed the first three games of Buffalo’s road trip.
In September, Dahlin revealed his fiancée, Carolina Matovac, was rehabbing in Sweden after experiencing major heart failure and undergoing a heart transplant in the summer.
Matovac, who underwent life-saving CPR and spent weeks on life support before the transplant, is doing well.
Dahlin practiced with Frolunda HC, his former Swedish Hockey League team, while overseas.
The Sabres lost all four straight games in regulation and five overall (0-4-1). They’ve lost the last 12 games (0-10-2) Dahlin has missed.
In other news, the Sabres this morning sent defenseman Zac Jones back to the Rochester Americans.
Update: Sabres coach Lindy Ruff told reporters in Detroit “everything went well” for Dahlin.
“So he’s anxious to get back playing,” he said.
Dahlin told reporters he feels “way better now mentally” after spending time with Matovac.
“I’m in a good spot,” he said.
Dahlin said Matovac is “an absolute warrior.”
“It’s so fun to see here every day,” he said. “She grinds every day, and she gets better every day – that’s the most important (thing). Wow, she’s inspired me and a lot of people, that’s for sure.”
Dahlin also thanked the team for its support.
“Especially Terry (Pegula) and Lindy and Kevyn (Adams) for understanding my situation and letting me go,” he said. “It hasn’t been easy to be away from the team – that doesn’t feel great – but they’ve been super supportive. Every single guy in there has supported me, and it means a lot for me and my family.
And now, back to work. I’m excited to come back to battle and get some wins.”