Hockey is a tough guy sport in any event, but this article from the Athletic filled in some of the detailsIn all seriousness, do you really want someone who can also be a tough guy? My point being that if he is checking and being checked, more likelihood of concussions. I guess I think of Eric Lindros.

Connor Bedard could be a generational NHL talent — here’s why
How does a 5-10 forward who doesn’t blow by defenders with McDavid- or MacKinnon-type speed become a nightmare to defend against?

It's behind a paywall, but essentially Bedard's style has been to do a lot of leaking out on odd-man rushes which centermen's defensive responsibilities often don't allow them to do. In the WHL you can get away with it.
So it's not solely a question of can he or can't he play center, it's also a question if his game would be more natural and flourish more in a "less valuable" role.
Being a goal-sniping wing hasn't done any harm to Alex Ovechkin has it? And that's the kind of shot Bedard is reputed to have.