Leafs GM Brad Treliving donates $1313 to GoFundMe set up for Matthew Gaudreau’s wife, unborn child

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving generously donated $1,313 to a GoFundMe campaign set up for Matthew Gaudreau's wife, Madeline, and their unborn son Tripp.

Matthew Gaudreau and his brother Johnny were killed on Thursday after being struck by an alleged drunk driver while cycling near their hometown in New Jersey.

More than 1700 donations have been sent to support Matthew's family in their time of need, raising over $70, 000 collectively so far. NHL players such as Jeff Carter and Jonathan Quick have also stepped up to contribute to the cause alongside Nikita Scherbak and many others from the league.

Matthew's wife Madeline is pregnant with the couple's first child, a baby boy they had planned to name Tripp. Matthew and Madeline had been together for 11 years before his untimely passing.

Matthew and Madeline began their relationship in February 2013, when he was on the hockey team at Boston College with his brother Johnny, who got picked by the Flames in the 2011 draft. They got married in July 2021.

Fans react to Brad Treliving's GoFundMe donation

Brad Treliving’s donation to a GoFundMe campaign has sparked a flurry of reactions from fans across social media platforms.

One fan wrote,

"Awesome gesture from GM of the Maple Leafs that makes millions."

Another fan defended the GM, arguing that any contribution should be appreciated.

"How much did you donate?," one fan said.

A user questioned the donation:

"But the financial wherewithal of Matthew’s family is in jeopardy? Johnny career earnings to date = 72 M. What is going on here?"

Referring to the above question, a fan explained:

"Being a single mom after something like this, no matter the earnings of your husband, is HARD and EXPENSIVE. Johnny and Matthew are not the same person, and Johnny has two kids and a wife as well! People are donating to help someone in a time of need."

Another fan joined in saying,

"Johnny made a lot of money yes. Matthew was a different person. Johnnys Wife and Kids will be fine when it comes to money hence the reason no GoFundMe for them. Matthew was a different person who never played a game in the NHL."

"I have no words… this is just absolutely devastating. Sending all my love and prayers to their family and friends." one fan wrote.

Overall the reaction seems positive, with most fans applauding the move as a classy gesture of support during a difficult time.