@KlariskraysNHLYes that is fully correct, or even buying a game digitally is a rental. Not all things are earned though, hence the operators and battle pass. Plus it's hard to compare a free to play game as well (prices are high cause people will pay it) this is the reason why we are here. If it didn't become so much of a staple in madden or NBA 2k, it wouldn't have be required for all sports games now. Also, equipment last year was earned in bags for online, now is subject to a rotating store like fortnite and you do earn some coins for it but also can require real world money.
Seeing that NHL has a minimum $69 to $89 price tag just to play the game, then add on the season pass, one of the Halloween or cod operators, buying packs unless you get enough coin via playing the game to ice a 90+ overall team. Plus when it comes to packs they are random as well and the odds on getting a high end player is typically very low.
I don't touch those modes or any ones that are online. To me I don't see the appeal as you aren't really collecting anything tangible but I know some people love it and that is fine. Each to their own.