They'll only be better off if....
1) IA can get more non-hockey dates booked.
2) Get the on ice product up to a level where they can sell out more than just the Chicago, Detroit and Boston games.
Agreed. I see this as a two year stop gap, with IA secretly looking for a new landing spot outside of the Valley. They simply cannot stay in Glendale long-term under this agreement, unless they start making some serious money at GRA, and I believe that location of that arena seriously impacts its ability to attract concerts, etc. I don't think the primary obstacle has ever been arena management.
Downtown Phoenix/Scottsdale is nice to talk about, but while I think the Suns will get their arena, the Coyotes will not benefit from being a co-tenant.
Frankly, notwithstanding what LeBlanc says, I have to believe IA is already exploring potential relocation sites, and I do not believe payment of a relocation fee will be a problem if QC and Las Vegas truly do pay in the range of $500M for expansion.
I've been a STH since the Coyotes arrived in the Valley. I see this last move as really the Coyotes putting up the white flag at this point. Sometimes karma just catches up with you....