How the hell do people stacked teams?

I am a f2p div 5 casual enjoyer. I started HUT basically for the very first time when Next Gen event started. Before I only used to play offline coach co-op with friends and Be A Pro.

My first line is 86 xp Scheifele 87 PTN Barkov 86 Next Gen Michkov. And my depth basically starts to drop there. Second line I only have 85 PTN Pettersson and the rest are Next Gen players 83 and 84 overalls.

On defense I have 84 xp montour 85 PTN Blake 84 PTN Vlasic 84 Hronek off the charts Free Forsling the red card?

So my question is how do other people have way better teams than I do if you do not pay and have a job. (Never played hut champs yet)

I plan to make Frozen Forces MSP but I am waiting for week 2 players.

Any tips?