Matthew Schaefer’s stall at Northwell Health Ice Center this week is in the same spot as last week: in the auxiliary dressing room where the Islanders put rookies and some AHL players during training camp. 

The message isn’t too subtle. Even if it is all but assured that Schaefer will be on the 23-man roster come Oct. 9, the Islanders want him to earn it. 

“I think everyone’s looking to earn that big spot in the locker room with the [NHL] guys,” Schaefer said after finishing his first day of training camp Thursday. “We have a good group in here, too. It’s going to be a great camp. … I met a lot of the older guys so I’m meeting a lot of new guys in here and looking to get in the big room there. A little bit more resources in that room, I’d say. Cold tubs and stuff.” 

Aside from his trappings, though, there was little about Schaefer on Thursday to imply he wasn’t already an NHL player.