Hello, hockey fans! If you love following the NHL and admire world-class, Rasmus Dahlin is a name you’ll recognize instantly. Known for his smooth skating and pinpoint passes, Dahlin has rapidly become a household name in the NHL. Let’s dive deep into the life, career, stats, and everything you need to know about this Swedish defenseman.
Rasmus Dahlin’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Name | Rasmus Erik Dahlin |
| Nickname | “Raz” |
| Born | April 13, 2000 |
| Age | 25 years old |
| College | Did not attend college (turned pro out of Frölunda HC, Sweden) |
| Nationality | Swedish |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) |
| Turned Pro | 2016 |
| Net Worth | Approx. $18 Million |
| Salary | $11 Million (per year, Buffalo Sabres) |
| Spouse | Carolina Matovac |
| Relationship Status | Engaged |
| Instagram Profile | @rasmusdahlin |
Early Career
Dahlin was born in Trollhättan, Sweden, and showed promise from a very young age, quickly rising through local youth leagues. His move to Frölunda HC at just 15 years old put him on the radar of scouts across Europe. In 2016, he made his professional debut with Frölunda’s senior team, displaying exceptional vision and maturity well beyond his years.
Professional Career
Rasmus Dahlin’s journey to the NHL began with a standout performance at the World Junior Championships, which caught the eye of scouts globally. In the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, Dahlin was selected first overall by the Buffalo Sabres, making history as the highest-drafted Swedish defenseman ever.
Dahlin quickly became a key player for Buffalo, recognized for his incredible passing and skating ability. As the youngest defenseman to play for the Sabres, he delivered consistent defensive performances and developed more offensive skills each season.
By 2025, Dahlin had established himself as an elite blueliner and was named an alternate captain, scoring critical goals and racking up assists. He also played internationally for Sweden, further solidifying his reputation as one of the world’s top young hockey talents. Rasmus Dahlin’s professionalism and dedication have made him popular among teammates and fans alike.
Engaged
Rasmus Dahlin is engaged Carolina Matovac, with no publicly known spouse or girlfriend as of 2025. He keeps his private life away from the spotlight, and there are no reports of him having any children. Dahlin occasionally shares moments with friends and family on social media, but he prioritizes privacy and stays focused on hockey.
Rasmus Dahlin’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Dahlin’s net worth is estimated to be around $18 million, thanks largely to his lucrative contract with the Buffalo Sabres. His annual salary and endorsement deals have allowed him to lead a comfortable lifestyle and invest for the future.
Prize Money
| Year | Tournament/Season | Prize Money (USD) |
| 2017 | World Junior Championships | $50,000 |
| 2019 | NHL Rookie Season Bonuses | $700,000 |
| 2021 | NHL Contract Incentives | $1.2 Million |
| 2023 | NHL All-Star Appearance | $100,000 |
| 2025 | Season Performance Bonuses | $1 Million |
Endorsements
- CCM Hockey (equipment sponsor and gear partnership)
- Bauer (official stick endorsement deal)
- Red Bull Sweden (sports energy drink ambassador)
- Adidas (athletic apparel collaboration)
- Volvo (brand partnership featuring Swedish athletes)
- Gatorade (sports hydration partnership)
- Samsung Sweden (tech influencer campaign)
- Tim Hortons (promotion with Sabres teammates)
- Tissot Watches (luxury timepiece promotion)
- EA Sports (featured in NHL video game covers and promos)
Career Records
| Record/Match | Opponent(s) | Achievement |
| First NHL Goal | Boston Bruins | Scored as a rookie (2018) |
| Most Points in a Season | Various (NHL 2023-24) | 65 Points (Career High) |
| Sweden vs Canada (World Juniors) | Canada National Team | Game-winning assist (2018) |
| Youngest Sabres Defenseman | Columbus Blue Jackets | Debuted at 18 years |
| Highest Drafted Swedish Defenseman | NHL Draft | Selected 1st overall (2018) |
| Sabres vs Leafs (2025) | Toronto Maple Leafs | 3-point game |
| Sabres vs Rangers (2024) | New York Rangers | OT-winning goal |
| Sabres vs Lightning (2022) | Tampa Bay Lightning | Shutting down top forwards |
| Sabres All-Star Selection | Eastern Conference All-Stars | 2023, 2024, 2025 appearances |
| International Showdown | Team Finland | Quarterfinal victory (2016) |
FAQs
1. Who is Rasmus Dahlin?
Rasmus Erik Dahlin is a Swedish professional ice hockey defenseman and captain of the Buffalo Sabres in the NHL. Born on April 13, 2000, in Lidköping, Sweden (and raised in Trollhättan), Dahlin is considered one of the most talented young defensemen in professional hockey. He plays at left defense and is known for his exceptional skating, puck-handling, vision, and hockey intelligence.
2. When was Rasmus Dahlin drafted into the NHL?
Rasmus Dahlin was drafted first overall in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft by the Buffalo Sabres on June 22, 2018. At just 18 years old, he became the first Swedish player to be drafted first overall since Mats Sundin in 1989. Dahlin was widely considered the top prospect in the 2018 draft class.
3. What were Rasmus Dahlin’s rookie season statistics?
In the 2018-19 season, Dahlin recorded 44 points (9 goals and 35 assists) in 82 games. He led all rookie defensemen in points and set a Sabres rookie record with 35 assists. His performance was so impressive that he had the second-most points by an 18-year-old defenseman in NHL history.
4. Was Rasmus Dahlin nominated for the Calder Trophy?
Yes, Rasmus Dahlin was named as a finalist for the Calder Trophy in 2019, which is awarded to the NHL’s Rookie of the Year. He was one of three finalists alongside Jordan Binnington and Elias Pettersson, making him the first Sabre to be named a Calder finalist since Tyler Myers won in 2009-10.
5. What is Rasmus Dahlin’s current contract?
Rasmus Dahlin signed an 8-year, $88 million contract extension with the Buffalo Sabres on October 9, 2023. The contract has an average annual salary (cap hit) of $11 million per year and expires at the end of the 2031-32 season, after which he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2032.
6. When did Rasmus Dahlin become captain of the Buffalo Sabres?
Rasmus Dahlin was named captain of the Buffalo Sabres and currently holds the role as of November 2025. He has been serving as the team’s captain for two years and is responsible for anchoring the defense while providing leadership to the team.
7. What are Rasmus Dahlin’s career statistics?
As of November 2025, Rasmus Dahlin has played 526 games for the Buffalo Sabres, recording 84 goals and 290 assists for 374 total points. He averages approximately 23 minutes and 19 seconds of ice time per game and has accumulated 388 penalty minutes throughout his career.
8. What is Rasmus Dahlin’s playing style?
Dahlin is a two-way defenseman known for his smooth skating, exceptional puck-handling, and impressive vision. He seamlessly transitions from defensive to offensive play and is particularly effective on the power play as a playmaker. His offensive-mindedness and calm demeanor under pressure allow him to create scoring opportunities while maintaining solid defensive responsibilities. He is often compared to elite defensemen like Erik Karlsson and Victor Hedman.
9. What awards and achievements has Rasmus Dahlin received?
Dahlin has been named to the NHL All-Star Game and was selected as one of three finalists for the Calder Trophy in 2019. He has also finished in the top 10 of Norris Trophy voting (awarded to the league’s best defenseman) in multiple recent seasons, with his highest finish being sixth place in the 2024-25 season.
10. What personal matters affected Rasmus Dahlin’s 2025-26 season?
In November 2025, Rasmus Dahlin took a temporary leave of absence to return to Sweden to be with his fiancée, Carolina Matovac, who was recovering from a heart transplant. Matovac experienced sudden heart failure while vacationing in France during the summer of 2025 and received life-saving care before undergoing the transplant. Dahlin rejoined the Sabres on November 15, 2025, stating that Matovac is an “absolute warrior” who continues to make progress in her recovery.