1979–80 Hartford Whalers season

1979–80 Hartford Whalers
Division4th Norris
Conference8th Wales
1979–80 record27–34–19
Home record22–12–6
Road record5–22–13
Goals for303
Goals against312
Team information
General managerJack Kelley
CoachDon Blackburn
CaptainRick Ley
ArenaSpringfield Civic Center
(first 22 home games)
Hartford Civic Center
Average attendance9,833 (91.9%)
Minor league affiliate(s)Springfield Indians (AHL)
Cincinnati Stingers (CHL)
Utica Mohawks (EHL)
Team leaders
GoalsBlaine Stoughton (56)
AssistsMike Rogers (61)
PointsMike Rogers (105)
Penalty minutesNick Fotiu (107)
Plus/minusMike Rogers (+29)
WinsJohn Garrett (16)
Goals against averageAl Smith (3.67)

The 1979–80 Hartford Whalers season although 1975 was the Whalers' first season in the National Hockey League (NHL), first as the "Hartford Whalers", and eighth overall.

The Whalers were one of four World Hockey Association (WHA) franchises (with the Edmonton Oilers, Quebec Nordiques, and Winnipeg Jets) that joined the league for the 1979–80 season. Gordie Howe, Bobby Hull, and André Lacroix all played the final NHL games of their illustrious careers with Hartford this season.