Steve Oleksy, a 6’0, 190-pound right-shot defenseman, previously spent 20 regular-season games and 11 playoff appearances with the Marlies at the end of the 2016-17 season after arriving in the deadline trade that sent Oleksy, Eric Fehr and a fourth-round pick to the Leafs in exchange for defenseman Frank Corrado, who has since rejoined the Marlies as of this past offseason.
With Timothy Liljegren out injured with a high ankle sprain — and hopeful he’ll be able to return in time to join Team Sweden at the World Juniors — Justin Holl up with the big club, issues with Jordan Subban’s game decision-making/defensive performance, and Corrado still getting up to speed on his way back from a significant knee injury, a reliable right-handed defenseman was a glaring need for the Marlies.