When the Denver Outlaws traded for Pat Kavanagh and re-signed Logan Wisnauskas and Eric Law, the offensive puzzle was almost completed. But there was one more piece head coach Tim Soudan wanted to add: another lefty.

In steps Jack VanOverbeke.

The Outlaws signed VanOverbeke to a two-year deal. The second-year attacker joined the Utah Archers late last season and made the most of his playing time. Stepping in due to injuries, VanOverbeke finished with six points in two games in Utah’s Homecoming Weekend.

Since VanOverbeke only played two games, he was able to sign with any team. Players who played less than 30% of games last season can opt out of their current contract, and VanOverbeke found another opportunity with Denver.

Denver had eyes on VanOverbeke even earlier. In the post-draft waiver period, the Outlaws nearly signed the High Point standout before ultimately bringing in Dalton Young, who became a standout rookie midfielder.

“We've been looking at him since last year’s draft, so I think he's gonna fit right in,” Soudan said.

Denver had discussions with other offensive reinforcements, including Jules Heningburg, but ultimately felt VanOverbeke both had the skillset and matched the timeline of the Outlaws’ young core.

VanOverbeke went undrafted last season, but he consistently produced at High Point. He’s fifth in program history in points and goals scored. He finished with at least 60 points in each of his last two seasons.

That college success immediately translated to the PLL when he got his chance.

The Outlaws have had many success stories with unheralded players. In previous seasons, the likes of Young, Kevin Rogers, Cross Ferrara and Jackson Morrill have thrived as either late-round picks or undrafted players.

VanOverbeke is expected to play a key role in Denver’s power play unit. As a third lefty, he balances the offense alongside Wisnauskas and Brennan O’Neill. The Outlaws had the third-best power play percentage in the league last season (40.9%).

While he started at X attack in his appearances with Utah, he will predominantly play midfield for the Outlaws. His passing skill and two-handedness were key traits the Outlaws liked about his game as a potential offensive midfielder.

“I think he's gonna turn some heads playing out in the midfield,” Soudan said.

His signing offsets the departure of Josh Zawada, who was traded to the Carolina Chaos.

Zawada played a similar attack/midfield hybrid role, spending the first part of last season at attack before moving to a midfield position. Zawada was fourth on the team with 16 points as a rookie.

With the signing of VanOverbeke, Denver has 11 offensive players on the roster heading toward training camp, with the draft still to come. With eight spots on the typical game day roster, all eyes turn to the position battles in preseason camp.