I think that Canadians had enough of Harper to not want to vote for his clone. 
Sheer will have to distance himself much more than he has from his ideological guru if he stands any chance of winning. I doubt that he is capable. 
But Flanagan is probably right that NDP supporters are more likely to vote for their own party next election possibly resulting in a minority government. 

A couple of things I find amusing though as an aside. Trudeau was constantly attacked by conservative supporters for his age and education, and now their leader is even younger, and less well educated. Ironic. 
I'll love watching them eat crow.