It occurred to me last week that there are a number of ongoing storylines this summer in the Boston sports scene that are of high significance for each team that are still playing out. Some of them have inspired my colleagues to offer their opinions on a number of occassions, while others have been a tad overlooked.

What I want to do is just give an overview of what’s the top sports stories in the Hub right now and then give some link love to my colleagues who have dissected these topics at length. However, it appears not much interest has been given to the Boston Bruins’ Marc Savard contract situation. Whatever. I’ve addressed it anyways.

1) Tom Brady’s contract situation

As of Aug. 11, 2010, Tom Brady has yet to sign a contract with the New England Patriots. He is essentially working for free, all of one day before going into the Patriots’ first preseason game against the Super Bowl defending New Orleans Saints.

Here are some stories my colleagues have written on the topic:

• Brady won’t hold out — but he should – by Tony Massarotti
• It could be a happier birthday for Tom Brady – by Christopher L. Gasper
• Tom Brady is worth every penny – by Bob Ryan
• Tom Brady is on the money – by Christopher L. Gasper

2) The Injury depleted Red Sox

The Nation probably already hates me because this isn’t my No. 1. But the argument can be made that the Red Sox are doing pretty good despite having 16 players go on the disabled list at one point or another this season. (I actually think the 17th person went on the disabled list today.) Skipper Terry Francona has used more than 100 lineups this season to combat the injury bug. And yet, the Sox are 5.5 games out of first place in the American League East and 4.5 out of the Wildcard. There’s 48 games left in the season.

Here are some columns on this and related topics:

• Jacoby Ellsbury situation at critical mass – by Dan Shaughnessy
• Jacoby Ellsbury needs to play the silent card – by Christopher L. Gasper
• For Red Sox, is there any relief in sight? – by Tony Massarotti
• Does the Red Sox’ approach suit you? – by Tony Massarotti

3) The Big Shamrock is on board

With Shaquille O’Neal signing the veteran minimum ($2.8 million) to be on the Boston Celtics for two years, a lot of ears perked up. Even my own. His arrival gives the Celtics an added star presence — and might I add, softer image — to a star-studded lineup. At 38 years old, he’s still a scoring center if need be and he’s a defensive presence, so long as it’s not on the pick and roll.

Here are the initial reactions from the Globies on this topic:

• Hoping Shaq is worth more than a few laughs – by Tony Massarotti
• Everything is great about this move – by Dan Shaughnessy
• Shaq’s visit to Doc was right medicine – by Gary Washburn

4) Marc Savard’s contract is causing problems

If you don’t like hockey, now is the time to skip. Marc Savard, the man who could easily be blamed for the Bruins’ Game 7 loss in the NHL playoffs for being the extra man in a too many men on the ice penalty in the NHL playoffs leading to the Bruins’ Game 7 loss, got a 7-year $28 million extension this summer. Only problem is, it’s being investigated by the NHL because there’s apparently some cause to believe that it’s circumventing the collective bargaining agreement of the league. He’s not the only player in the league having to deal with the issue. This is one of those stories that is a window into the upcoming negotiations that are going to occur in three of the four major sports in the coming years. Hockey, as we all know, has had a bad history with these negotiations.

Here’s a good overview from the Globe’s Bruins beat writer Fluto Shinzawa:

• Bruins’ contract with Savard being eye-balled by the NHL – by Fluto Shinzawa

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So what do you think? Am I missing something more important?