The moment was dripping with symbolism, and everyone could see it.



It was a moment created because of circumstance, because of the lack of low numbers that are unretired on the Canadiens and the fact they like giving their better prospects more traditional hockey numbers.



That’s why Jesperi Kotkaniemi got No. 15 last year and why, after it was vacated last year by the departure of Tomas Plekanec, Nick Suzuki was given No. 14. They were votes of confidence from the organization, signs of how promising the team considered them to be. They also happen to be just one number apart, which is what created this moment.



As the Canadiens’ pregame player introductions rolled along at their home opener Thursday, it quickly became apparent the moment was coming. Max Domi, No. 13, went out and took the torch from Ben Chiarot, No. 8. Next up was Suzuki. Following him was Kotkaniemi.



A passing of the torch normally symbolizes handing over...