Nope, you have to create a new player.

is there any reason to play online right now? I did the same thing and finished the story off line while servers where down. I dont know anyone playing so unless i can find a group of pugs to play with im most likely going to be solo anyways. unless there is something thats exclusive to on line play?

In addition to this question - are stashes spearated between online and offlne modes like the characters?

yes they are...