The Richard F. Canning Trophy is presented annually to the AHL's champion of the Eastern Conference during the playoffs. Prior to 1996, it was given to the playoffs champion of the Northern Division/Conference.
The award is named after former AHL President Richard Canning.
Winners[]
- Key
- † = Eventual Calder Cup Champions
Eastern Conference Playoffs Champions (1998–present)[]
| Season | Team | Win |
|---|---|---|
| 2011–12 | Norfolk Admirals | 1 |
| 2010–11 | Binghamton Senators † | 1 |
| 2009–10 | Hershey Bears † | 4 |
| 2008–09 | Hershey Bears † | 3 |
| 2007–08 | Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins | 2 |
| 2006–07 | Hershey Bears | 2 |
| 2005–06 | Hershey Bears † | 1 |
| 2004–05 | Philadelphia Phantoms † | 1 |
| 2003–04 | Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins | 1 |
| 2002–03 | Hamilton Bulldogs | 2 |
| 2001–02 | Bridgeport Sound Tigers | 1 |
| 2000–01 | Saint John Flames † | 2 |
| 1999–00 | Hartford Wolf Pack † | 1 |
| 1998–99 | Providence Bruins † | 1 |
| 1997–98 | Saint John Flames | 1 |
Northern Conference Playoffs Champions (1996–1997)[]
| Season | Team | Win |
|---|---|---|
| 1996–97 | Hamilton Bulldogs | 1 |
| 1995–96 | Portland Pirates | 2 |
North Division Playoffs Champions (1990–1995)[]
| Season | Team | Win |
|---|---|---|
| 1994–95 | Albany River Rats † | 1 |
| 1993–94 | Portland Pirates † | 1 |
| 1992–93 | Springfield Indians | 3 |
| 1991–92 | Adirondack Red Wings † | 1 |
| 1990–91 | Springfield Indians † | 2 |
| 1989–90 | Springfield Indians † | 1 |