Perry also mentioned the fact that the Lightning offered him a two-year contract was a big factor in his decision. The CH was interested, but obviously, Marc Bergevin did not offer him the famous "two years".
Marc Bergevin mentioned several times that he absolutely wanted to retain Perry's services with the CH. However, considering that Perry wanted two years, why didn't Bergevin give it to him? We already know what Perry can bring to the team both on the ice and in the dressing room. It probably wasn't enough to offer him the extra year...