1980–81 AHL season

The 1980–81 AHL season was the 45th season of the American Hockey League. Nine teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Hershey Bears finished first overall in the regular season. The Adirondack Red Wings won their first Calder Cup championship.

Team changes

 * The Syracuse Firebirds cease operations.
 * The Binghamton Dusters become the Binghamton Whalers.
 * The Adirondack Red Wings switch divisions from North to South.

Final standings

 * indicates team clinched division and a playoff spot
 * indicates team clinched a playoff spot
 * indicates team was eliminated from playoff contention

Scoring leaders
Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalty minutes
 * complete list

Trophy and award winners

 * Team awards
 * Individual awards
 * Other awards