Here is my analysis with the disclaimer that I am well aware I overpaid and I am a stats guy, so I perhaps place too much emphasis on underlying statistics as compared to someone who regular watches the Toronto games.
Let me start by saying I spent a LOT of time trying to find a similar and even better player of a similar type to Marchenko. The problem is that the majority of the obvious players are well known and high priced, and it proved too difficult to pick one up. I was forced to shift tactics and try to find someone that is potentially underrated. I had no idea how others valued Marchenko prior to my offer, so I made an offer based on my own valuation. Even when I thought I was overpaying, my offers weren't accepted, so I modified and upgraded the offer to this point. Carrick and Marchenko were basically my last chance and picking up a player that met my requirements.

I could list the obvious "intangibles", such as his size, leadership qualities, Russian if I'm to partner him with Zadurov, good size AND mobility, etc.. The thing I place the most value on however, is that he began in Detroit's system, which is known and respected for developing young talent, as well as scouting good prospects from overseas. He was not released because Detroit didn't want him, he was a casualty of roster moves and being "low man on the totem pole". Toronto was lucky, and wise, to claim him, and Babcock probably had some say in that, which is another positive indicator as far as I'm concerned. Contrast that to Colorado, where I find their development highly suspect, I feel it's good to pick up some younger players from outside the organization.

I'm also considering that he is about 2 years behind in his development/adapatation to hockey in North America, as he first went undrafted, and then stayed in Russia for a bit.

In looking into his numbers, I noted the following, among other things:
1. He has the lowest Corsi events against per 60 of any Toronto D. Same for Corsi Save %.
That tells me that not only does he reduce shot attempts against, he also reduces the quality of shots the opposition takes.
2. He's second only to Marincin in shot suppression and tops for on ice save % among Toronto D.
That further reinforces that he limits shots against while reducing shot quality.
3. His goals for % while on the ice is 2nd only to Hunwick. His Goals for is low, which is to be expected, but again, he leads in Goals against.
This tells me that he is a good defensive defenseman.
4. He's 5th in P/60 and A/60, but last in first assists/60.
That suggests he is a good "first pass" defenseman.

Now obviously I have no control over him in actuality, so I can't put him in a position to meet his potential. I see him as a quality 2nd pairing D man and stabilizing force in my lineup for years. He can also be a capable and supportive partner for a more offensive minded defenseman, push play in the right direction, and be a reliable defender in his own zone. Whether he gets there in real life is up in the air, but I can see his play solidifying and earning him some recognition in the next couple of years, which works well with the current status of my team.

Anyway, that's a lot of explanation that I didn't intend to go into, but people were so shocked and I said I would explain if I acquired him, so I am.
You might disagree, especially if you see a lot of things I don't by watching the Leafs (I normally only see them about 8 times a year, maybe 15 this year if we're both lucky ), but I did have my reasons.

In other news, Colorado is listening to offers/proposals for Beauchemin, Soderberg, Colborne, and Comeau. I'll consider any offer, but especially prospects and picks.
If you have a spot to fill on your team that one of these players could be suited for, make me an offer.
I'm willing to retain salary on any of those players, but would prefer a contract exchange with similar term for Soderberg.

He is a 2nd pairing defenseman in Colorado... Unfortunately he couldn't crack the Blueline in Detroit or Toronto...Both considered to be low in quality on the backend.
When I watch him he is one of those guys that leaves you wanting...His play is not equal to the sum of his parts.
Similar to Marincin. Useful to plug a hole but not a long-term solution....
I did like your well thought out explaination.

I'll offer Pominville and 2018 3rd for Soderberg, colborne and comeau?

Yeah, I can work with that. You have a deal.

I'll have to expose him, but might be able to work something out and at least I won't be left with nothing because of the pick.

cost for Zadorov?

Ok good. Done

You can make an offer, but I'll probably be keeping him at this point. He's part of the plan now. I'd need a similar player that is a definitive upgrade or a relatively equal player with an interesting "plus", which probably doesn't make sense for you. I'm banking on his development and potential, and being a late bloomer due to his size.

Pleasure doing business.

Guess I won't be exposing him after all.
Late night and didn't think of the NMC. My bad.

I'm not a huge fancy stats guy but I always do look at them and take them into account when evaluating a player so I can factor those numbers in with other things, so yeah I get where you're coming from by giving that much up for him. Kinda surprised someone almost matched your offer for him lol, I forget what team it was (Sharks?)

Tampa I think. I was too, because I was pretty sure I was overpaying. Made me question what I was missing.

Update:

Offering Beauchemin for a 4th line LW and a 4th round pick. I'll consider other prospect or pick offers as well, but figured it might be easier if I set a price.
I will retain 50% salary if you make it a 2017 3rd round pick instead.

Update:

Looking at making a few minor adjustments.

Nieto: Will move for a veteran depth defensive forward and a 5th round pick.
Grimaldi: Will move for a young defensive forward that already has some AHL experience (2 years or more).
Siemens: (Former 1st round pick). Will consider swapping defensive prospects.
3rd Round pick 2018 (Minnesota): Straight up for any pick better than 85th overall in the 2017 draft.

Hey riacochetii, I found this interesting article about grouping players on their "style" of play based off of their advanced statistic numbers. The interactive chart is pretty useful to compare players too. I think it's definitely worth a look. Player Types based on clusters

That's going to take some reading and looking into. Thanks for sharing though, I'm definitely interested.

that seems like a lot for the other erik karlsson to me.

It is, but I'm secretly hoping I can swap him for the real Erik Karlsson when Ottawa isn't looking.

Come up with an offer for that second yet?

It was a 3rd in 2017 (COL). My original pick back.
I haven't but I'm willing to trade a 2018 3rd (MIN) for it.
Probably a little later pick, but in a better draft year.

Any interest in trading Barrie? If so let's talk on my Carolina GM page

Sorry but I have no interest in moving Barrie.

That said, there are a handful of players I would consider. Karlsson, Carlson, Subban, Josi, and Hedman.
It's possible I missed someone, but it gives a general idea. I'll listen to offers if someone wants to take a shot of course.
I'm not looking for a package for him either, unless it's me adding a little something for a decent upgrade.

Okay just wondering

What would you do for Brent Burns?

Nothing against him but he's not the right fit for my team right now. Better suited to a bona fide contender.