Brodziak made his professional debut with the Edmonton Oilers' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Edmonton Road Runners, in the 2004–05 season. Despite a slow start, Brodziak finished the year strongly and became a consistent performer for his team. After the Road Runners ceased operation, the Oilers arranged for a number of players, including Brodziak, to play for the Dallas Stars' AHL affiliate, the Iowa Stars. Consequently, Brodziak was forced to play out of position and received less ice time than he would have with a team run by the Oilers, and his offensive game suffered. However, his defensive play improved, and he was recalled to Edmonton almost immediately due to an injury to Michael Peca. Brodziak played five games during his initial stint with the Oilers before being reassigned to the minor leagues October 24, 2005. He was recalled to the Oilers twice more in 2005–06 and played ten games.