Gary Bettman seems so determined to keep a team there even though it has never worked since their inception. It's as if someone has compromising information on him and is blackmailing him to keep the team in the desert, it just doesn't make sense.
This information comes from the excellent Frank Seravalli, who has been very up-to-date on this matter from the beginning. If relocation is necessary, keep Quebec City in mind.
Salt Lake City seems to be Bettman's preferred location, but their new arena is not yet built. Quebec, on the other hand, is 100% ready, both in terms of infrastructure and financially.