Look guys, the Ribeiro case is actually quite simple. As far as pure skills are concerned, he is hands down the Habs most gifted offensive player, even better than Koivu. He hasn't done anything good on a consistent basis with the team, but then again, he hasn't been given the chance.
So what do you do with him if you're management ? One of two things: trade him, or give him ice time on the top two lines and PP. You can't trade him because you're not likely to get equal value (which should be high) and you know that if you trade him, some team is going to pair him up with two gritty, skilled wingers and Ribs will flourish. So you have to wait, which is what management is doing, until Ribeiro finally breaks out. Every year that passes, Ribs gains maturity and experience, and eventually the right wingers will come along. Personnally, I think if Ribs stays healthy, he will prove himself this year and patience will pay off.