The Marlies have Rosen, Sandin and Borgman on the left side. They do not need anymore left side defenders, hence why they traded Nielsen. They need right side defenders because LoVerde is struggling and Corrado and Subban should not be anything more than 3/4 RD themselves. So we had 3 3/4 RD's, and only one true top 4 RD, who is also injured. Now Oleksy has also not looked like a true top 4 RD this year himself, but I am sure the Marlies are counting on him turning it around with his old team, just like they hoped LoVerde would have done over the course of this year. Two chances is better than one I suppose?
The vet group has easily been the largest disappointment this year, and the largest reason why the Marlies are losing so many games. I am talking about a larger reason than goaltending. This move is a way to improve the top 4, and hopefully shake up that veteran room so that the rookies benefit while hopefully the other veterans (Jooris, Greening and LoVerde) start picking up their slacking play in the meantime.