The 1979–80 Hartford Whalers season was the Whalers' first season in the National Hockey League. Along with the Edmonton Oilers, Quebec Nordiques, and Winnipeg Jets, the Whalers were one of four World Hockey Association franchises that joined the NHL. Gordie Howe, Bobby Hull and André Lacroix all played the final NHL games of their illustrious hockey careers with the 1979-80 Whalers.