After a standout minor hockey career, Perry was drafted fifth overall into the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) by the London Knights in the 2001 Priority Draft. He immediately produced at a point-per-game pace for the Knights, recording 59 points in 60 games in his rookie season. The following year, his NHL draft year, Perry improved to 78 points and was selected 28th overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. It was reported Perry was to be sent to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Mike Comrie, but the trade never materialized, as Oilers general manager Kevin Lowe asked Comrie to repay a portion of his bonus money.