The problem with your analogy is simple.
Slaf =/= Tesla Motors
Tesla Motors stock were already high at that point and their historic rise was mostly constant. So far with Slaf, there's absolutely no rise.
There is a lot of similitude. The mob were calling Tesla stocks overvalued, on the verge of bankruptcy, incapable of delivering their command, there was doubt over their factory, etc. In a similar fashion that everyone is now denying Slaf talent, no IQ, no understanding of the game, close of being a bust.
Short float was at an all time high. Like everyone and his mother is now down on Slaf.
Technically speaking, the stock was not in all time high. It was on a basing stage called Weinstein Phase 1(accumulation phase where selling pressure is suddenly meet and sustained by buyers, but the general feeling over the stock is usually very grim.) It took one good Earnings reports to take the stock into stage 2(uptrend stage) and eventually to a massive rise.
One could say Slaf is kinda in a stage 1 in his development whereas some players like Cooley or Mintyukov have already broke out into stage 2.
Obviously, there is a lot of discrepancy between a stock and a hockey player.
But just like the mob were only focusing on the problems and short term, repairable issue. They were blind to the absolute potential and upside in the company.
Its similar to Slaf in which now everyone is dismissing the upside and the skills. Everyone is focusing on short term issue.
Its possible Slaf bust. Its possible we are on the wrong track with him.
But its at your own peril to bet against this kind of potential at 19 years old. He might also just be one earnings report (a couple of goals) from breaking out. Young player performance can explode on a dime. Its witnessable everytime throughout the league. Like Tesla, and although it appears far and impossible right now, Slaf is one good stretch away from seeing his stock at all time high again.